Gary James Orendorf

Mohawk - Gary Orendorf, 78, of Mohawk passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025.

Gary was born March 31, 1947, a son of Gerald and Bernadette Orendorf. Gary married Janice Phelps of Ilion on May 23, 1970 and together raised their sons Mike and Shaun in German Flatts. Jan passed away December 6th, 2023.

Gary was a graduate of Mohawk High School, he truly enjoyed his frequent phone calls and visits with classmates. Gary was a proud veteran having joined the U.S. Army following high school. He earned his sharpshooter badge while being able to do so many of the things he greatly enjoyed, especially driving and maintaining all types of vehicles. He spent the majority of his working years with Remington Arms, retiring after many years as a hard working, dedicated employee.

As a young boy Gary’s family spent many winter days and nights at the Clinton Arena enjoying Comets games. He never lost his love for the game and loved the chance to bring someone to their first game. The Aud became a second home in later years as the family followed the many different teams to call the building home. Gary and Jan were especially proud to be season ticket holders for the UC Pioneers men’s and women’s programs from their start, they rarely missed a game. Gary and the family spent the rest of winter on the local snowmobile trails when they weren’t at a hockey game. The four of them rode from home as often as possible, always with dad leading the way to break trail and mom following behind to make sure no one got lost. After riding all day, Gary and Jan always took a few minutes to get the boys set at home while the yard quickly began to fill with sleds. They boys would watch out the back window and after a few minutes of work on the sleds Gary and Jan would lead 10 or 20 of their friends over the hill for a ride to dinner.

The remaining three seasons of the year were even busier for Gary. He was introduced to racing as a young boy when his father worked on stock cars competing at various local dirt tracks. Gary was an immediate success in the growing sport of kart racing. No matter the track, location, or competition, he was nearly unbeatable in a kart. His lifelong friends still share stories of his successes with the boys at every opportunity. His love of the sport never left him, Saturday night’s were typically spent at Fonda Speedway. When not racing or attending races Gary and the family could be found in the home shop restoring antique cars. Gary put together many beautiful cars and trucks over the years and was more than excited to teach the boys and their friends whatever he could. There was always a project in the shop because if he wasn't working on a rebuild of his own, Gary was helping a neighbor or friend with one of theirs. Whether it was a friend’s car which needed a small ding fixed, a complete restoration, or fabrication and custom work, dad was ready to help. To be sure there was no down time, smaller projects filled any free hours… There was always hay to put in with the neighbors, lawns to be mowed, firewood to be cut, the hay rake or wagon needed to be welded back together again, the frame on one of the kids’ bicycles broke, the neighbor’s lawnmower wouldn’t start, someone had a flat tire and didn’t have any tools in the car…, all were good reasons to change tasks for a few minutes.

While it would seem impossible to do so, Gary always found more time to spend with his family. The neighbors helped the boys create a full size baseball field behind the family home. Thanks to Jan and Gary, summer days were filled with the boys and their friends playing ball. Gary would frequently take a break from his current project to walk from the shop to the ball field where he was quickly met with a big yell of support and a little bit of ribbing from everyone on the field: “Hey, it’s Mr. O! Gonna pitch a few innings? Com’on Mr. O!” And despite working nights Gary often found an hour or two to get his old red truck out and come to Shaun’s ball games. After the game he’d have the entire team pile in the truck wherever they found a spot, in the cab, the bed, on the running boards, and they would drive up the hill to Lou’s for ice cream, no excuses! Whatever the kids and grandkids were involved in, it didn't matter the weather or the location or the reason, Jan and Gary would be there: racing, football and cheer, dance recitals, school plays, graduations. None of it was going to be missed.

Gary is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law: Mike and Lynne Orendorf and Shaun and Heather Orendorf; his grandchildren: Sarah and Bryson, Claire and Mikey, Mason, Dane and Thalia, Zoey, and Joslyn, and great-granddaughter, Rosie Jane. He also leaves his brothers and sisters, Gerald and Janet Orendorf, Pat and Bernie Rockwell, Mary and John Recco, and Alfred and Nickie Orendorf, and many very special nieces and nephews, and all of his dear friends and extended family members, including Butch and Jennifer Benedict, the Mason Road family, the Spattos, the Wollabers and his many high school classmates and friends he stayed close with . Besides his parents Gerald and Bernadette and his wife Jan, Gary was predeceased by a baby sister.

The family would like to send a sincere thank you to Eric, Jennifer, and the entire staff of Little Falls Hospital 3E for the compassion and care shown to Gary and his family over the recent weeks. You are truly appreciated.

Friends and family may call at Whiter Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. in Ilion this Sunday, July 20th, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with a short service following. Friends are encouraged to drive their favorite car and dress comfortably, and an old car t-shirt and flannel or hockey jersey would definitely be appropriate.

Please consider memorial donations to the Herkimer County Humane Society, in lieu of flowers.

Dad - You told us some will say it may not be achievable, but perfection should always be the goal, otherwise it’s not worth doing. We will forever put our best effort into all we do. We love you, always.

To leave condolences for Gary's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com