Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Gary Howard Wiezorek, born on June 23, 1947, peacefully passed away on October 9, 2024, at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, surrounded by his loving family. He was the youngest son of Joseph and Goldie Wiezorek. A proud graduate of Jesup High School, Gary’s life was a testament to hard work, dedication, and a pursuit of lifelong learning.
In 1968, Gary married Ione Peyton, and together they had two daughters, Lisa and Susan. He began his career as a mechanic, showcasing his hands-on skills and strong work ethic. Later, Gary earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Northern Iowa and went right into his career at John Deere as a Financial Analyst. For over 20 years Gary worked and traveled with Deere and Company locally and in Germany, China, and Mexico.
In 2004, Gary married Carol Wagner, and the couple made their home in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where they shared many happy years together. Gary was not only a financial steward who enjoyed working with numbers but also took great pride in passing on his trade to his grandchildren, instilling in them an appreciation for financial responsibility.
Gary had a passion for life, enjoying racing his Triumph TR4, fast cars, golf, fishing, and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his daughters, Lisa Ray (Eric Auxier) of Des Moines, Iowa, and Susan Backes (Rod) of Jesup, Iowa; his sister, Vivianne Blatt of Johnston, Iowa; his brother, Ken Wiezorek (Barbara) of Overland Park, Kansas; four grandchildren: Megan Peterson (Ryan), Miranda Lindmark (Tanner), Ethan Backes, and Kenedy Backes; and four great-grandchildren. Gary also leaves behind his stepchildren, Carie Wagner of Ankeny, Iowa, and Travis Wagner (Sarah) of West Des Moines, along with four step grandchildren: Austin Wagner, Abbie Wagner, Emma Wagner, and Elly Wagner.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jeannie Grueber, his brother Jim Wiezorek, and his in-laws Doug and Doris Miller.
Gary has graciously donated his body to Mayo Clinic where he entrusted his health and care to for over 40 years. A celebration of Gary's life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024,10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Western Home Community Diamond Event Center, Center Room, in Cedar Falls. Family and friends are invited to join for a time of community, memory sharing, snacks and refreshments.
Gary’s love for numbers, fast cars, the outdoors, and, most importantly, his family will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Howard Wiezorek, please visit our floral store.