Gary K. Mundlin 86, of Butte, Montana passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024, at Saint James Hospital. He was surrounded by his wife, daughters, and family as he went to be with his Lord; free of pain. He was born on the 4th of July 1937 in Omaha, Nebraska, to Lois and Herman Mundlin. Gary grew up in Lewiston, Idaho, after his family moved there at a young age to live with his grandfather; in a shed that was ultimately renovated as a home. He worked in the potato fields as a young boy with his father and grandfather, learning a work ethic that would stay with him for the rest of his life.
Out of school after the 8th grade; he became the head of the family when his father passed away, working odd jobs as a drywaller, and began to sharpen his skills as a mechanic. He joined the Navy when he turned 17, where he worked in the ship’s boiler room and traveled the world. He met his wife to be, Darlene Hawn when he was home on leave; and they married on October 1, 1958, when he returned home after his tour of duty. They went on to have three daughters. Gary threatened to “not pay the doctor on the third; if it was not a boy”–before he agreed three little girls would be just fine.
Gary and Darlene moved to Post Falls, Idaho, in 1965; where they bought some land on Signal Point Road, above Post Falls, and built their first home on weekends, and after work, living paycheck to paycheck, as he refused to take out a loan. In the winter of 68-69; he finished the indoor toilet after the outhouse blew over. Gary started his own very successful business “Gary’s Gear Shop” on Seltice Way in Post Falls; along with help from Darlene who also took care of their home and kids.
Once the kids left home; they lived on a private airstrip in Spirit Lake for a while, after he got his private pilot’s license. He enjoyed taking family and friends to breakfast in nearby towns, where he and Darlene would sometimes camp for the night. Later, they moved to the Rathdrum prairie on Hayden Avenue. His family continued to grow, and he was blessed with six grandchildren, whom they both enjoyed every chance they could. While the three daughters had done their best; to be his little tomboy with some success; he had better luck with grandsons later in life as they helped Grandpa in his shop.
Not one to be idle, after selling the gear shop, he then purchased a dump truck to pursue a new business adventure. Gary was always an inventor, with more success on some than others. He built and fabricated a Speedster from scratch, renovated a model A, a Willey’s Jeep, and a Chevrolet Flat Bed.
Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. He was preceded in death by his father, Herman; mother, Lois; brother, Loyd; and sisters, Carol and Janet.
Survivors include Darlene, his wife and best friend of 65 years; daughters, Lori Blanchard (Del Hallberg), Vicki Smith (Brent), Terri Elge (Al); six grandchildren, Tarl (Darcy), Telima, and Trace Blanchard, Jenessa Elge (Chris Cherney), Troy (Mackenzie) and Bryce Smith; and four great-grandchildren, Brylee, Faith, KayLynn, and Harley.
A memorial to celebrate “A Life Well Lived” will be held in Post Falls, Idaho, in the summer of 2024.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Gary.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Gary and his family.
Susie (Mead) Williams says
My parents were friends of Gary and Darlene in Post Falls many years ago. They and the three girls would occasionally visit us. Both of my parents had great admiration for both Gary and Darlene, how hard they worked and what a great family they had. My father thought Gary was one of the best mechanics he knew. I am also in Butte now, what a coincidence. My deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Jeanne Phay says
We’re so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. We met the Mundlins through mutual friends when we lived in Pleasantview. Ron installed flooring for them and in return they gave us a gallon of milk from their Jersey cow for a year! I had at least one of the girls in school when I was teaching and Darlene babysat our son Jared for a time. Gary was a very kind, smart, and innovative man and never idle. The Mundlins were great people to count as friends! Gary will be missed.
Robert E Lackey says
God Bless Gary and the whole Mundlin Family. You all meant a lot to Lackey’s, Earl & Anna & Sons .
Cindy Mead says
I was so sorry to learn of Gary’s passing. My condolences and sympathy go out to the Mundlin family at this difficult time. I have great respect for Gary and Darlene’s kindness and steadfastness I witnessed while growing up with Lori, Vicki and Terri. My love to the whole family.