oracious reader whose interests spanned a great variety of subjects including history, biographies, genetics and economics. Gary was an accomplished public speaker. Despite his sometimes brusk manner, Gary had many close and long friendships. Gary was a life-long Lutheran, who was baptized at St Paul Lutheran Church in Whittemore, Iowa. Gary and Pat were charter members of Messiah Lutheran Church in Charles City for more than 20 years. Gary is survived by his wife Patricia and their children: David and his wife Joleen (Schrock), James and his wife Mary (Jorgensen), William and his wife Debbie (Griffin), and Susan and her husband Mark Abernathy, as well as 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He is also survived by many cousins, whom he loved like siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Merlin who died in childbirth.