The Sahlberg Family is saddened to announce the passing of Our Family Patriarch,  Gary  Ray “Papa” Sahlberg, 85, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 5, 2026, at their home in Prineville.

He was surrounded by his loving family. Surviving family members include his beautiful bride of 63 years, Judy Kay (Miller) Sahlberg; brother, George Sahlberg; sister, Shirley Hendrickson; son, Michael Sahlberg (wife, Traci), son, Matthew Sahlberg, son, Todd Sahlberg (wife, Kathy); daughter, Naomi (Sahlberg) Trent; son, Shawn Sahlberg (wife, Courtney), son, Robert Sahlberg; daughter, Pamela (Chase) Holbrook, 15 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

On Jan. 27, 1941, Gary was born to August Carl Sahlberg and Adelia Nadine (Redding) Sahlberg in Ontario.

He graduated from Burns Union High School in 1959.

Gary was a Sergeant (E-5) in the Oregon Army National Guard from 1959 to 1967. Stationed at The Burns Army National Guards Station.

Gary worked at Boise Cascade for 30 years, working in plywood Layup Operations (Various positions). He earned his Business Accounting Degree at Merit Davis College of Business. In his true form of keeping busy, and providing for his family, he also worked as an insurance salesman, owner for Sahlberg and Son, (General Contracting), Production positions at Pozzi Windows, Fuqua Homes, ED&A, and Beaver Coaches.

He was an avid outdoors man and rock hound. Teaching his kids to learn about everything they could. Mechanics, gardening, hiking, hunting and fishing to name a few. 

He is an Elder in the Community of Christ Church. He provided many years serving the congregation and community. He was Pastor in Medford for a time before moving on. He retired from Boise Cascade with the intention of following his desire to serve in the church.

Services will be held  Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 3 p.m., at the Community of Christ Church (20380 Cooley Rd. Bend, Oregon 97701)

The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community of Christ Church Youth Camp fund.