Gary Dennis Mundinger

Gary Mundinger passed away at the age of 82 on August 12, 2024. He was born in Omak, Washington on August 2, 1942, to Delmar Ralston and Ruth Dano Mundinger. He graduated from Omak High School in the Class of 1960 and then attended Washington State University, where he graduated in 1965. Gary spent his summers working for the Forest Service and loved his time in the woods. After graduating from WSU, he joined the Air Force. The Air Force sent him to Indiana University to learn Russian. Gary was then stationed in Germany where he flew in C-130s with many memorable stops at various air bases in Europe. Gary left the Air Force in 1969. Gary attended graduate school at WSU and earned his Master’s Degree in Political Science in 1977. He then went to work at the National Security Agency in Maryland. It is there that he met his future wife, Erin Harrower. They were married February 21, 1974, and in May went to Alice Springs, Australia for two years. In 1978 their only child, Clint Mundinger, was born in Maryland. In July of 1979 Gary and Erin bought the Corner Shelf Bookstore on Main St. in Omak and Gary operated it until 2005 when he retired. Gary was happy to be back in Okanogan County where he enjoyed hiking, skiing and sharing the county with his family, including his many in-laws. He also reunited with his college roommates and the four couples got together every year for over 40 years at various places in Washington State. Gary volunteered at the Okanogan County Historical Society. He researched the old county newspapers and wrote stories for The Heritage Magazine. He also loved discovering the geology of Okanogan County, especially the Ice Age geology and began exploring the area with local friends. Gary adored his family and loved getting together with them. Reunions of the cousins were always a highlight, and as new generations came along the reunions grew. In late 2018 Gary was diagnosed with an inoperable benign brain tumor. He spent a lot of time in Virginia watching his two granddaughters grow. They loved their Papa, and he adored them. Gary is survived by his wife of 50 years, Erin of Omak, and their son Clint and his wife Kristie and granddaughters Grace (11) and Clara (8) of Chantilly Virginia; his sister Ann Pelton (Doug) of Wenatchee and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A graveside service for Gary is being held 12 noon, April 17th 2025 at the Omak City Cemetery.

Gary Dennis Mundinger

August 2, 1942 - August 12, 2024