Monterey

It’s impossible to capture the full heart of Gary Wangberg in just a few words, but we will try —because he deserves to be remembered with the same love he gave so freely in his lifetime.

Gary passed away peacefully at his home in Monterey, California, on February 16, 2025, at the age of 86. And with him, the world lost one of the kindest and most grounded souls to ever walk this earth. He was a devoted husband to his late wife Mary Lou Wangberg —the love of his life —and the most loving father to his daughters, Sherrie and Erika, which he considered his greatest achievements. He was the proudest father to his daughter, Erika, who was truly the apple of his eye. His love for her ran deep, and he had the greatest admiration and respect for her husband, Richard, whom he considered a true partner to Erika and a third son.

He was also a loving stepfather to his two stepsons, Jeff and Stephen. They were the two sons that came to him later in life, but his love for both of them was supreme. He was a devoted grandfather who made each grandchild feel seen, supported, and deeply loved. A man of few words and great humility, Gary let his actions speak loudly with unwavering love, his thoughtful planning, steady presence, and the way he always showed up when it mattered most.

Gary was born in Oakland, Nebraska on July 28, 1938. He had a deep appreciation of being born into the small town with their incredibly strong Swedish roots of which he was so proud. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard at the age of eighteen and was honored to serve his country. Shortly after leaving the Coast Guard, he began his career in Title Insurance and Escrow.

He worked tirelessly throughout the years, and ultimately rose to co-partner in the early 80’s at Heritage Escrow, one of the largest independent escrow companies in California.

However, he spent the majority of his career as an incredibly well-respected and beloved executive at First American Title from which he retired.

His work ethic, loyalty, and calm leadership left a lasting impression on colleagues and family alike. Even in the final years of his life, he had many colleagues continue to reach out to him to just say hello. He deeply touched so many throughout his professional life. But no matter how much he gave to his work, his heart always belonged to his family.

The second half of his life was by far and away the emotionally richest. Meeting Mary Lou was one of the greatest, single moments for him. They built an incredible life together that seamlessly blended two families together.

He had a love for golf — the game brought him peace, focus, and time with friends.

But in his retirement, he was devoted and singularly focused on family and travel. He had a passion for good food, fine hotels, and meticulously planned vacations. But none of these things meant anything to him without the people he loved by his side. Family time was his most cherished moments in the world —whether it was an adventure to Park City (sometimes with as many as 19 family members), Thanksgivings in Santa Barbara, Napa or Ojai, 4th of July and Christmases in Grangeville and McCall, weekends in San Francisco with friends and family, trips to Paris or Florence, his two favorite cities in the world, a shared breakfast (always with pancakes and cappuccinos), his nightly FaceTime calls with his granddaughters, Kristina and Nicole, or simply sitting together in a room, content to just be near each other -family meant everything to him and made his heart beat.

He was our rock, our quiet strength with a strong dose of stubborness and perfectionism, and our favorite person. And though our hearts are broken, we carry his lessons, his love, and his legacy with us every single day. His selflessness and utter devotion to others, made usall want to always do better and to be better ashuman beings.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Erika (Richard) Burton; his stepsons, Jeff (Becky) Goldman and Stephen (Chrissy) Goldman; and his cherished grandchildren, Kristina (Matt) LaRochelle, Nicole (Ty) Trumble, Wesley, Lauren, Stephen, and Stefano Goldman.

He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Owen, Kolby, Ashton, and numerous other loved ones, including his nephew, Derek (Tammy) Wangberg and his sister, Margo Wangberg Nagel.

Gary was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Lou Molinari Wangberg.

Gary was also preceded in death by his daughter, Sherrie Wangberg Kirkley, for which his love for her was beyond measure.

Also preceding Gary’s death were his father, mother and step-mother, Edwin Wangberg, Winona Wangberg and Margaret Wangberg, in addition to his two brothers, Don Wangberg and Rex Wangberg.

Upon Gary’s request there will be no services. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider directing donations to Hospice of the Central Coast.

Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.

Online condolences towww.struveandlaporte.com