(August 11, 1945 – March 17, 2015)
Gary Park Eldredge, age 69, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2015, at his home in St. George, due to the effects of cancer. Gary and his wife Tina had recently moved to St. George after 42 years in the Chicago area.
Gary was born on August 11, 1945, in Salt Lake City, to David Arthur Eldredge and Margaret Ruth Midgley. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Christine Ann “Tina” Wickman; their four children Crystal (David) Barlow, Todd (Janell Wilson), Amy (Steve) Foxhall, and Jason (Katie Quillen); and 13 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother David Arthur Eldredge, Jr. (Mary Collier), and sister Paula (Jan) Woellhaf.
Gary attended Brigham Young University, graduating magna cum laude in 1971 with a combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering Degree. While attending BYU he met his sweetheart, Tina, and they married in the Los Angeles Temple on September 10, 1968. Following his graduation from college, Gary served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves.
He began his 35-year career in research and development with Bell laboratories/AT&T/Alcatel-Lucent in 1972, which took the couple to Naperville, Illinois, where they lived and raised their children. Gary worked in software development and as a director of cell phone technology development in his last years with the company. He often marveled that when his group developed the feature for telephone texting they didn’t think any of the phone companies would see any use for it.
Gary was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life. He served a 2-year mission to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and was able to use the Spanish fluency he gained there in church service throughout his life. He served in two bishoprics, as a member of the high council, stake financial secretary and stake Family History coordinator. He served as a counselor in the Chicago Temple Presidency and Tina served as Assistant to the Matron from 2007 to 2010. They have been long-time temple ordinance workers. Gary also served for a short time as a sealer in the St. George Temple.
From an early age Gary developed a love of family history. He often joked that he lost track of how many relatives he had submitted for temple ordinances after the first 10,000. He used his passion and knowledge of genealogy to help countless friends and ward members. He also filled a two-year Church service mission answering the LDS Family History Center’s help line. He had a love of home teaching and served many families faithfully throughout the years.
Gary was a man of great integrity. He loved his family and took great joy in his grandchildren, always willing to read a story or get down on the floor and construct an amazing train layout. As a wonderful father, grandfather and companion he will be greatly missed. He left a legacy that will be treasured and honored by his family as the years go by.
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23, at 11 a.m. at the Sunset 1st Ward LDS Chapel, 82 North Dixie Drive, St. George.
- A visitation will be held Monday, from 9:30-10:30, prior to services at the chapel.
- Interment will be at Tonaquint Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. Please visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.