Gary Kraske

Gary Kraske passed away peacefully at the end of June 2026 at the age of 85.

Born in Billings, Montana, Gary was filled with curiosity about the world and had a deep love of learning. He left the American West as a young man to explore the world, challenging himself, and others, to think broadly, remain curious, and dream big.

Gary worked for decades as a library administrator at the University of Maryland’s McKeldin Library and Hornbake Library. A lifelong scholar, he earned two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in Library Science from Indiana University Bloomington, which earned him the affectionate nickname “the Redneck with a Ph.D.” amongst his hunting companions.

A world traveler, excellent chess player, master fire maker, house painter, yard-sale enthusiast, and self-taught stock market investor, Gary possessed an unparalleled wit and a keen eye for life’s most interesting details and was a fantastic storyteller (just ask anyone who was lucky enough to sit by the fire with him). He shared many of his experiences and observations in his book, Montana Maverick: Unexpected Tales From a Life of Adventure.

Gary was married to his wife, Ulrike, for more than 50 years. During their life together, and because she is from Germany (where they visited almost every summer), he taught himself to speak and read German proficiently. Gary and Ulrike shared many adventures, traveling together to far-flung places around the world, including one of their most treasured journeys to the Himalayas.

Throughout his life, Gary remained an avid hunter and outdoorsman. His connection to nature was deeply spiritual and essential to his sense of self as someone who grew up in Montana.

Gary is survived by his wife, Ulrike, and their two daughters, Marianne and Katharina Kraske. He will be remembered for his intelligence, humor, independence, uniqueness, curiosity, and adventurous spirit.