Gary Lee Bischoff

July 22, 1937 – July 8, 2025

Gary Lee Bischoff, 87, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025.

He was the firstborn son of Ruth and Royal J. Bischoff and was followed by two brothers, Ken and Michael, and three sisters, Karen, Margaret and Janet — all of whom survive him.

Gary spent his early years in Lovell, learning the value of hard work and developing a deep love for the outdoors, especially the mountains and river bottoms that became his lifelong sanctuary.

He graduated from Lovell High School and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in what was then the Southern States Mission. It was during those years that he gained a deeper understanding of the world beyond Lovell, a deep, abiding personal testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and of his individual worth and divine purpose.

After his mission, Gary attended Brigham Young University, where he met the love of his life, Dolores Egbert. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 14, 1961. They were seven days from celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary.

Together, Gary and Dolores raised six children: Tawny (Russ) Kemp, Kjel (Lani) Bischoff, Janae (Preston) Harman, Trisha (Jay) Hyer, Kimberli (Joey) Rampton and Jason (Kara) Bischoff. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to 25 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, each of whom he loved deeply and prayed for daily.

Gary had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor, often delivering one-liners that didn’t fully land until hours or sometimes years later. He loved handing out nicknames, some hilarious, some head-scratchers, all of them given with affection and a twinkle in his eye.

He and Dolores worked side by side to create a beautiful yard and garden that became a haven not only for their family but for others, as well. Their garden grew enough produce to feed many families, and Gary delighted in sharing the fruits of his labor widely and freely. Giving came naturally to him, whether it was a bag of sweet corn, a word of encouragement or a spot at his table.

The family spent countless hours exploring “Dad’s Mountain,” learning how to work hard, breathe deep and appreciate God’s handiwork. On any fishing trip, mountain ride or simple outing, he had a way of making each child feel like the trip was taken just for them. Never once did they feel like an inconvenience, instead, they felt like the reason they were there. That presence, that intentionality, became one of his greatest gifts to them.

He taught them all to work hard—not just with their hands, but with their hearts. He believed in showing up fully, doing the job well and leaving things better than he found them.

Gary also had a special place in his heart for the underdog, the one who didn’t quite fit in, needed a little extra attention or just looked like they were having a rough day. With quiet compassion, he reached out and made them feel seen, safe and valued. He endeared himself to many with that quiet, steady love.

In the final two months of his life, Gary was surrounded by an outpouring of love from children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who traveled from far and wide to be near him. Every visit was a gift — every hug, story and moment soaked in like sunlight before a long winter.

Gary lived a busy, productive, deeply meaningful life. He leaves behind a legacy of quiet service, steady faith and love that lingers long after words fade. He believed in eternal families and bore testimony through the way he lived — reverent, faithful and true to what mattered most.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered and joyfully reunited with family someday.

Graveside services were held July 15 at 10 a.m. at the Lovell Cemetery.