Gary G. Gearke, 70, of Le Mars, Iowa passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at his home following a courageous two year battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 3, 2014 at Rejoice! Community Church in Le Mars. Rev. Tony De La Rosa will officiate. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the service on Monday.

Gary Glenn Gearke was born on April 3, 1944 in Le Mars, Iowa to Glenn Nathan and Ruth Lillian (Rohlfsen) Gearke. He attended school in Le Mars, graduating from Le Mars High School in 1962.

On June 12, 1963 Gary and Marlene Heeren were united in marriage at Christ Lutheran Church, rural Le Mars. They made their home in Kansas City where Gary attended air condition and heating school. After trade school he and Marlene returned to Le Mars. Gary took a position at Coast to Coast Hardware. He worked there for a few years and then began his 33 year career with Supersweet feeds. Towards the later years of his career he began farming.

During his retirement years, Gary worked part-time as a jailer for the Plymouth County Sheriff and was a reserve deputy. He and Marlene were also custodians at American Bank in Le Mars. He enjoyed woodworking and making unique pens and pencils. Gary was very supportive of his family and was an active part of their lives. Others knew him as a handyman as he was always willing to assist others with their projects.

Grateful to have shared his life is his wife of 52 years, Marlene; a son, James Gearke; a daughter and her husband, Tonya and Jason Jauron; grandchildren, Gabriella Gearke and her special friend, Keaton Alons, Gina Gearke, Ethan and Jackson Jauron all of Le Mars; a brother and his wife, Robert and Vycci Gearke of Raytown, MO; sisters-in-law, Jean Heeren and Mildred Gearke both of Le Mars; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Timothy, brother, Rodney, and a brother-in-law, Dave Heeren