Gary Charles Ellinger, 83, beloved husband, father, Poppy, and friend to so many, passed away peacefully on Feb. 3, 2026, in Myerstown, PA. He was born on Dec. 5, 1942, in Lebanon, PA.
Gary was, above all else, a family man. Everything he did, every place he went, and all the stories he told came back to the people he loved most.
Gary shared over 62 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Ann, who was his biggest supporter. Together, they raised three daughters, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He is survived by Ann; daughters, Eva McMahan (wife of Kendrick), Kim Waibel, and Carole Ellinger; and son-in-law, Scott Yingst. Gary was immensely proud of his family and found his greatest joy in being Dad and Poppy.
He was grandfather to Melissa (Bob) Dulabohn, Bryan (Danielle) Yingst, Max Stevey, Nathan (Gabby) Waibel, Emily (Austin) Ebersole, Taylor Stevey, Nicholas Waibel, Daniel Waibel, and Cooper Ickes. He was great-grandfather to Lee Tobias, Parker Tobias, Addison Yingst, Cara Yingst, Bodie Dulabon, Rowan Bower, Josie Waibel, Jack Waibel, and John Ebersole. He was also Poppy to Dakota Petrosky, Oakley Dulabohn, and Noelli Dulabohn. Nothing made Gary smile more than time spent with his growing family, whether it was sharing his many stories, teaching life lessons, going hunting and fishing, or simply just being together. He was also a deeply loved brother-in-law and uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Gary’s other great love was the outdoors, especially his No View hunting cabin in Potter County, PA. The cabin was more than just a deer camp; it was his second home and the backdrop to countless memories with his hunting buddies, family, and friends. Gary was an accomplished hunter, loved the woods, and felt most happy there, especially while teaching younger generations how to hunt. He was a mentor, best friend, and father figure to his hunting buddies and countless children, always patient and generous with his time and knowledge.
He treasured his fishing trips to Canada and his hunting trips out west, adventures made meaningful to him because they were spent with his friends. His friendships meant everything to him.
A lifelong electrician in Lebanon County, PA, Gary was known as a man you could always count on. He would help anyone who needed it, without hesitation. If you needed a hand or the shirt off his back, Gary was there. He had an incredible work ethic, which was instilled in all of those around him.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Charles Ellinger; mother, Eva; and brother, Dick Ellinger. We are sure his friends, Rich Jenkins, Dick Feldenzer, Ed Tobias, and many others were all waiting to greet him in the after.
Gary’s life was one of generosity, unconditional love, and what we thought was an indestructible strength. The stories that all can share about his antics and his ability to overcome so many obstacles (some self-induced) will be told forever. His absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy lives on in the family he adored, the friendships he carried for a lifetime, the lives he touched, and the traditions he passed down. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Keystone Tree fund (pa.gov/services/dcnr/donate-to-the-keystone-tree-fund) or the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation (ppff.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate). He would want us all to get outside, take a kid hunting or fishing, go for a walk, and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us!
Services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at Christman’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. in Lebanon, PA, with a viewing beginning at 10 a.m. and service starting at 11 a.m. Please feel free to dress casually—flannel, camo, or a good old No View t-shirt are all welcome. A gathering will be held after, with details to follow.
