Gary Romig

Gary Ralph Romig, 77, of Peoria, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on April 3, 2023, with his eternal companion at his side. Gary was born on March 14, 1946 to Ralph and Norma Romig in Pocatello, Idaho. During middle school, he and his parents moved to Salt Lake City, where Gary lived a full, loving, family-filled upbringing as the second oldest of four children. Gary, a lifelong, faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, exemplified his love for the Savior through a life of service. Shortly after graduating high school in 1964, Gary served the people of the Netherlands as a young missionary. Later, when Gary was not so young, he returned to the Netherlands with his sweet companion, Ellie, and served the Dutch people as a senior missionary. Hij hield van de mensen in Nederland. Gary’s life of service took a sharp turn after his first mission. Gary was drafted to fight in the Vietnam War. Gary trained in the infantry unit and was stationed in Fort Ord, California in 1968. In the spring of 1969, he received his orders and was sent to the frontlines in Vietnam. As a radio operator, Gary’s 50-pound radio, 10-foot-high whip antenna, and marching orders at the heels of the officer-in-charge made him an easy target for the enemy. Gary’s love of Country, faith in the Lord, and uncompromising dedication to the mission carried him through Vietnam and life. The members of Gary’s platoon could see that he was different. He rejected vulgarity and profanity and abstained from the common vices of the day. Gary’s platoon affectionately called him “Bishop” and at the urging of his squad, he taught the men how to pray. Gary’s service continued as a loving father, grandfather, foster parent, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was kind, gentle, and compassionate. He was the kind of guy people loved being around. He was funny and always had a “dad joke” or two on hand. He loved hiking, four-wheeling, yelling at the evening news, playing five crowns, and taking his best friend Rocco on walks. Gary and Rocco were inseparable. Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Eloise “Ellie” Romig, his three sons Jeff Romig (Laura), Brad Romig (Carrie), and Jared Romig; step-daughters Kathy Mexicano (David) and Sarah Monahan (JJ); brothers Brent (Suzanne) and Mark (Nancy) Romig; and 13 grandchildren who he adored. Gary is predeceased in death by his parents Ralph and Norma Romig, sister Peggy Pocock, and daughter Jenny Romig. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 24 at 11:30am, at the Rose Valley Ward located at 22034 N. 83rd Ave, Peoria, Arizona. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10:30am to 11:30am. Interment will take place at 2:00pm at the National Memorial of Arizona located at 23029 Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona.