Gary Everett Harrison, 10 Jul 1943 - 30 Sep 2024

HARRISON, GEIGER, BACKES, ROLLINS, STOURAC, CAMPBELL

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 10/11/2024 at 14:08:43

Gary Everett Harrison was born July 10, 1943, in Vinton, Iowa, the son of Ray and Nina (Geiger) Harrison. He graduated from Washington High School in Vinton in 1961 and began working at Wilsons Meat Packing plant. On December 18, 1965, Gary was united in marriage to Karen Sue Backes, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton. After Wilsons closed, Gary and Karen farmed together until 1984. Gary then served the Williamsburg Community for 24 years as custodian of Williamsburg Elementary before retiring in 2008.

In his early years Gary enjoyed riding his 1958 Duo Glide Harley Davidson and his 1965 GTO convertible. He could often be seen in the July 4th parade driving his dad’s John Deere A. He was an avid fisherman and loved camping, most often at Hannen Lake near Blairstown. He also enjoyed “making sawdust” and perfected his talent for lawn art. Gary lived for his family and with Karen raised three children in the love and faith of Jesus Christ.

Gary passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, at the age of 81 years.

Gary is survived by his wife Karen Harrison of 58 years; three children, Shelly (Paul) Rollins of Dyersville, Doug (Amy) Harrison of Oxford and Amy Stourac of Vinton; Gary left a long legacy of love behind him with eleven grandchildren: Maria (Craig), Tony (Alana), Benjamin (Samantha), Abby, Tucker (Michelle), Garrett (Olivia), Samantha, Trevor (Sam), Jesse (Tylyn), Crystal and Grant; fifteen great grandchildren: Greyson, Emma, Lyla, Ruth, Hank, Sierra, Thea, Emmett, Cole, Asher, Cora, Emerson, Leighton, James and Iris; numerous beloved nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law Beth Harrison and Sheryl (Richard) Campbell; brothers-in-law Dave (Barb) Backes and Robert (Shelley) Backes; and countless friends and family.

He was preceded by his parents; brothers Marion, Dean and Roger; a nephew Mark Harrison; and close family friends David, Jason and Paul.

Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:30 am on Friday, October 4, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Williamsburg. Burial will follow in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Mark Harrison Cancer Foundation through the link on the Powell Funeral Home website. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.

Published in The Gazette on October 3, 2024 in The Hometown Current on October 9, 2024.