Buckeye, Arizona - Gary E. Bruehl Sr., age 85 of Buckeye, AZ passed away unexpectedly on November 15, 2024.

Gary was born on February 20, 1939, in Norman, OK to parents Edward and Dottie Bruehl. Gary and his family moved to Arizona in 1944, eventually settling in Buckeye. He attended

Buckeye Union High School, graduating in 1957. Gary was a member of the undefeated 1957 BUHS football team. During his junior year at BUHS, Gary met and fell in love with Kathleen

Karstetter. They were married on January 30, 1960, and recently celebrated 64 years of marriage. In November 1960, Gary joined the Navy and served on The USS Ozbourn and The

USS Bennington as a Radarman/First Class Petty Officer until his Honorable Discharge in 1967. After leaving the Navy, Gary and Katy moved back to Buckeye, with their two children, Gary Jr. and Jennifer.

Gary was well known for his quick wit, and it was always a party when Gary arrived! He was an active and valuable member of the Buckeye Community. He was a State Farm Insurance Agent for 40 years, from 1968 until his retirement in 2008. He was among a small group of Buckeye citizens who established the Buckeye Volunteer Ambulance and an active member of the 0530 Club, The Buckeye Racquet Club and Elks Club. Gary was also an avid golfer, angler and world traveler.

Gary is survived by his wife Kathleen, son, Gary Jr. (Brenda) and daughter Jennifer (Jeff), sister Pat Benson, grandsons Nic and Justin and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandsons, Derrick Bruehl and Troy Ganley.

The visitation will be Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 5-7PM at Buckeye Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Fellowship Church, Buckeye, AZ on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 10:30AM.

Memorials or donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.org) or to the charity of your choice.