Garold Wambolt

GAROLD WAMBOLT TWIN FALLS-Gary Wambolt, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully, March 12, 2009, at the age of 71. Gary, the son of German immigrants, was born on May 27, 1937 to Henry and Lydia (Meisner) Wambolt in Wendell, ID. He was the youngest of thirteen children. His father passed away when he was just three years old, so he had to work in the fields when he was just a young child in order to help his mother make ends meet. He learned at a very young age the value of hard work and has instilled that old-fashioned shoulder-to-the wheel work ethic in each of his children. Gary attended school in Jerome, ID. He loved all sports and was an amazing athlete; at 6-foot-6, he was the tallest man on the Jerome Tigers basketball team. When he was just a sophomore he was recognized as one of the best high school basketball players in the United States. In 1954, he used his talent to help the Jerome Tigers win the district basketball title. After high school, Gary was offered several basketball scholarships, but decided instead to marry his high school sweetheart, Darlene Newman of Twin Falls and enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. They were married November 26, 1955 in Elko, NV. While in the Marine Corps., Gary served in a machine gun platoon with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines. He served in Okinawa, Japan and was later stationed in Oakland, CA where he served as a prison guard at Treasure Island, CA. After three years of serving his country, Gary gained employment as an Operating Engineer. He was a union man and a member of The International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3. Gary and Darlene settled in Half Moon Bay, CA and had three daughters, Debra, Diane and Carol. He loved each of his girls deeply and was involved in their lives. He was an avid fisherman and taught his girls his fishing techniques and strategies. Gary enjoyed the time spent in California, but Idaho was always his home. In the 80's he bought some property, built a home and returned to the state that he loved. During his retirement years he enjoyed spending time fishing at Magic Reservoir and could always catch his limit, even when others couldn't get a bite. He loved to garden and work in his yard during the summer months. He took great pride in his yard and it always looked like something out of Better Homes and Gardens. With his wife, he would travel in his fifth-wheel RV all over the state, spending the winters in Southern Nevada and Arizona, visiting his grandchildren. He also enjoyed keeping in touch with his Marine Corps. buddies and attending their yearly reunions. Gary is survived by his wife of 53 year, Darlene; daughters, Debra (Dennis) Magill; Diane (Ray) Kostuk and Carol Wambolt. He was blessed with three granddaughters; Leslie, Michelle and Marla, one grandson, Dennis Jr. and one great-grandson, Joseph. Surviving him is one sister Rachel Womack as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Gary most surely had a large welcoming committee, with lots of hugs and kisses, as he arrived at the Gates of Heaven. Semper fi big guy; we will forever love and miss you. Memorial services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2009 at Reformed Church of Twin Falls, 1631 Grandview Drive N., Twin Falls. Arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls.