Gary Ray Sadi, age 84, passed away on May 27, 2026, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, NE, surrounded by his family.
Gary was born on January 5, 1942, in North Platte, NE, to Dewey and Lila (Beavers) Sadi.
After graduating from high school in 1960, he began building houses, which sparked his lifelong love of working with his hands and woodworking. Gary joined the Nebraska National Guard in 1963 and proudly served his country until 1969.
Gary’s career in sales began with his first retail position at Grant’s Department Store. He later joined J.M. McDonald’s in North Platte. His employment with J.M. McDonald’ s brought his family to Valentine in 1974. Following the store’s closure, Gary held a variety of positions throughout the community, including working at Red Front Mercantile and Tehrani Motors. Over the years, he also worked in construction, at the local bowling alley, and as a bartender.
In 2003, Gary and Bonnie moved to Stapleton to farm with his inlaws. However, wanting to be closer to their daughters and their families, they retired and returned to Valentine in 2011.
Gary’s life in Valentine was enriched by the many friendships he formed, enjoying fishing on Wednesdays, playing dice at Daylight Donuts, coffee club, and his involvement in numerous community organizations, including the Volunteer Fire Department, Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, serving as an EMT, Fair Board, and Chamber of Commerce.
In 1966, Gary met the love of his life, Bonnie Brosius. Together they built a life centered on family and were blessed with two daughters, Kami (Sadi) Ormesher, and Cristen (Sadi) Witte.
Family was the greatest joy of Gary’s life, and he took immense pride in watching it grow through the years. He cherished every moment spent with his eight grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Lila Sadi; brotherin- law, James Seacrest; sisterin- law, Kerry Brosius; and great- grandson, Sawyer Ormesher. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Bonnie Sadi; sister, Rhonda Seacrest ; daughters, Kami (Mark) Ormesher, and Cristen (Gordon) Witte; and his grandchildren, Brandon Ormesher, Tyler (Caitlyn) Ormesher, Nicholas (Kori) Ormesher, Trevor Ormesher, Hailey Witte, Reeves Witte, Kelsey Witte, and Jessie (Loncey) Johnson. He was also the proud great- grandfather of six great-granddaughters and a great-grandson, as well as a nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Rosary service was held at 7:00 p.m. CDT, Sunday, May 31, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Valentine. Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church. Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine.
Memorials will be designated to dementia research, with a specific organization to be determined by the family.