Jack Gundlach

Jack Byron Gundlach was born in Ekalaka, Montana on October 16, 1935 to George and Frances Gundlach. He was the 10th of 14 children. His siblings Mavis, Betty Jo, Harold, Gloria, Leland, Virginia "Tiny," Beverly, Barbara and George preceded Jack. Surviving siblings are Shirley, Darlene, Doug and Don. His children Tony, Sharla and Mark preceded Jack. Surviving children are Jack L., Suzanne, Scott, Anthony, Jack and Matt. He had 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren with his first great-great-identical twins due in August.

Jack was a cowpuncher in his early days. He then went into the Navy, with an honorable discharge. From there, he went into construction in Oregon helping to build the I5 corridor. He bought a pizza parlor and tavern and then sold it to purchase the Timber Room Bar and restaurant. Later he turned it into the Library Lounge.

Jack retired in his 40s and began ranching on Cole Mine road with his horses and cattle. He was a true cowboy and loved his horses.

He moved to Chiloquin, Oregon as it reminded him of Eastern Montana. He got back into driving teams of horses with wagons and eventually became a wagon master. In 1992 he was actually invited to be on the movie set of "FAR AND AWAY" with Tom Cruise and drove a team of horses and wagon. His big debut!

He built outbuildings on his property making it look like an old western town. Groups of fellow cowboys/girls would come out and do training sessions at his place. He led the Applegate Trail's 150th Anniversary in 1993. It took them several months to complete the entire trail.

Jack battled lung cancer and lost his battle on July 22, 2024 at his son's home in North Carolina. He was happy to be with his son and grandson and be surrounded by love. Jack was a man of integrity and a strong male figure admired by his family. He was great father, grandfather and great grandfather and loved children. He will surely be missed.

Jack will be laid to rest on August 11th at Beaver Lodge Cemetery in Ekalaka.