Elliott, Gary – 1945-2025

DANNAR, DOUGLAS, ELLIOTT, FELPER, KIMBALL, KRAFKA, WISEMAN

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 1/23/2025 at 10:46:01

Gary Elliott, 79, of Grinnell, died on Monday, January 6, 2025, at his home surrounded by family and under the care of UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Hospice.
A private graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Rock Creek Cemetery west of Grinnell. Pallbearers are Eddy Elliott, Tim Elliott, Ralph Elliott, Dwaine Elliott, Jake Elliott, Madison Elliott, Robbie Douglas, and John Van Cleave.
Gary’s family will receive friends at the visitation held from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, January 10, 2025 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.
Memorials may be designated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Gary’s family online at www.smithfh.com.
Gary was born on October 2, 1945, at the Community Hospital in Grinnell, Iowa to Paul LaVern Elliott and Edna Louise (Kimball) Elliott. He was raised in the Rock Creek area, where he attended country school and later Grinnell schools. From 1965 to 1967, he served honorably in the United States Army as a Personnel Specialist.
On October 23, 1976, he was united in marriage with Carol Wiseman Felper in Malcom, Iowa. Gary and Carol made their home east of Grinnell, close to his parents and others in his family.
Gary was a hard-working man who dedicated much of his life to various trades. Gary will be remembered for his supportive, loving, and funny nature. He was a proud but humble man who led a simple life. He was a good neighbor and friend; always ready to lend a hand and give to others. He often worked two jobs to support his family. He worked for Donaldson Company in Grinnell for 38 years, 30 of those years as a supervisor, operated an auto repair shop, and enjoyed farming for much
of his life.
Gary strived to find ways to keep traditions alive. He had a remarkable ability to solve problems and fix almost anything. This was seen in his many projects around his home and the farm. A true outdoorsman, Gary loved hunting, fishing, and trapping. Some of his favorite pastimes during his life were drag racing at Eddyville, riding motorcycles, camping with family and friends, fishing in his boat, hunting his dogs, riding his mules, and taking walks through the timber. Gary’s legacy will live on in the
hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him for his unwavering kindness, and generosity.
Gary is survived by his partner, Norma Griffith of Grinnell; his sons, Eddy (Heidi) Elliott of Rochester, MN and their children, Jake Elliott, Emma Elliott, Max Elliott; and Tim (Paula Simon) Elliott of Grinnell and his daughters, Madison (Ben Krafka) Elliott, and Mckinze Elliott; siblings, Chuck (Carol) Elliott of Athens, TN, Dennis (Leslie) Elliott of Grinnell, Linda (Dan) Dannar of Akron, CO, Dwaine (Laura) Elliott of Grinnell, Ralph (Lori) Elliott of Grinnell, and Robbie (Deb Steenhoek) Douglas.
He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; a sister, Betty Joyce in infancy; and daughter-in-law, Robin Elliott.
Source: Smith Funeral Home website (Grinnell, IA)