Gary Stephen Kohring

Gary Stephen Kohring, 72, formally of Bruneau, passed away Friday November 22, 2024 at his home in Twin Falls, ID. He was born April 16, 1952 in Fort Ord, California to Kent and Virginia (Lahtinen) Kohring.

He married Karen Miller in 1978 and together they raised three children.

He lived a short time in Vale, Oregon while his dad taught school then moved to Bruneau, Idaho and graduated in Mountain Home with the Class of 1970. He continued his education at Boise State University earning a Secondary Education degree in 1975.

As a young boy, he participated in 4H raising and showing pigs and steers. He traveled several times to regional conferences with other youth from Bruneau and Homedale and competed at the Owyhee County Fair. The sale of his livestock eventually paid his college tuition.

Growing up he developed an undying passion for hunting and fishing and was very content to walk for miles enjoying the vastness of Owyhee County and all its solitude. His walks through the canyons especially Jack's Creek were cherished memories of big game and gunny sacks full of fish. He spent considerable time scoping trophy game only to return to the truck at days end to declare success with or without dispensing a shell, and ready for more tomorrow. He often said that he only needed a single shell each year for hunting season, and when asked why he found it necessary to replace that single shell with a new box - of course, there was never a reply.

Ropers, Wranglers, and long sleeve shirts with two chest pockets was his fashion. Put on a hat (maybe clean), and he would be two-stepping around the dance floor at the Legion Hall in Bruneau. Social contact and news came from the local coffee shop with a vague version repeated at home.

He took great pride in Kohring Farms, and relished the lifelong commitment to keep the farm in the

family name. From the time his grandfather, JG Kohring, homesteaded the Desert Entry in the early 1950's and drilling many of the wells in Little Valley, to the subsequent improvements he made to the farm with his dad was his idea of honest work. In his 40+ years on the farm, he afforded ample opportunity for his family to hone their farming skills passing to them "much work with little pay".

He was so proud of Ben, Katie and Brett's accomplishments. He and Karen traveled thousands of miles following each of them as they participated in sports and activities from Little League through college. He was especially pleased that each of them graduated from college and are pursuing successful careers. The miles and time on the road continued as grandkids came on the scene, and trips to support each of them in their activities and adventures.

A special thank you to the Vision Hospice team of Jean, Tonya, Heather, and Lindsey. Each visit with Gary was an adventure with each caregiver committed to dignity and respect for his care.

Gary is survived by his wife Karen, children; Ben (Heather), Katie, Brett, five grandkids; Hayden, Hilde, Addisen,

Abigail, and Gerrit; and three siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be arranged at a later date.