Gary Lee Harger, 83, of Papillion, Nebraska, passed away on June 3, 2026, after a courageous journey with Alzheimer's disease. Born on November 10, 1942, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Gary grew up in Center Point, Iowa, where he lived a full and purposeful life defined by hard work and a deep love for his family.
Gary proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, an experience that shaped his character and sense of duty. Following his military service, he moved to Victorville, California, and eventually settled in Fallon, Nevada, a small town he came to love deeply and where he would spend the majority of his life. In Fallon, Gary operated a car lot, a business he dedicated himself to for decades. He was a fixture in the community, known for his integrity and genuine way with people.
Gary was a thoughtful man and had a strong intuition regarding people, understanding them in ways that words alone could not capture. Beyond his work, Gary was a passionate collector of antique clocks. Over the course of his lifetime, he amassed a remarkable collection of 87 clocks, and he took great pride in painstakingly restoring each one to working condition. The patience and care he brought to that labor of love reflected the kind of man he was in every aspect of his life.
Above all, Gary was a devoted father. His daughters were the center of his world, and even as Alzheimer's took so much from him, it could never take that away. He always knew who they were, and his love for them remained steadfast and unmistakable until the very end.
Gary is preceded in death by his father, Max Harger; mother, Amorita Meythaler (Bill); brother, Dean Harger (Barbara); and brother, Dewey Harger (Shirley). He is survived by his daughters, Cherie Kitson-Winfrey (Scott) and Ellie Zehnder; grandchildren Colin and Caitlin Kitson, Jade, Eliza, and Ian Zehnder; and dear friends Joe and Jenny Benson.
A man of deep and abiding faith, Gary trusted in the Lord throughout his life. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace in the arms of his Savior, free from the burdens of this world and reunited with those who went before him.
A small ceremony will be held later this summer. Gary's ashes will be laid to rest in the Dunkard Cemetery, located in Toddville, Iowa, where lie many of his beloved relatives.
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