A memorial service for Gary A. Cross, 83, of Estherville, was held at 1 p.m., Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, at Good News Community Church in Estherville with Chaplain Marsha McKeever officiating. Gary passed away on Aug. 10, 2023, at his home in Estherville.
Gary Adair Cross, son of Harry and Jeannette (Kissel) Cross, was born on December 7, 1939, in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Gary attended school in Council Bluffs, where he met Karen Scott. The couple married on October 10, 1959, in Papillion, Nebraska. They then made their home in Council Bluffs, where Gary worked for the City of Council Bluffs in the Parks Department for 12 years. The family moved to a farm in rural Graettinger in 1979 and lived there for 7 years. Gary worked for Art’s Way Manufacturing in Armstrong. In 1982, they moved to Estherville. Gary found his home and honed his skills as a design Engineer at Cycle Country in Milford in 1985 and continued to work there until his retirement in 2000. Gary patented 20 different designs while there.
Gary was a member of the Southside Christian Church in Council Bluffs and attended church at Good News Community Church in Estherville. In his younger years, Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trap shooting. The family would take a yearly fishing trip to Minnesota. Gary and Karen enjoyed bowling and golfing together. In his later years he became a very skilled craftsman. He made many trinkets for friends, neighbors, and complete strangers with his skill saw. Handyman was an understatement for Gary; he could fix about anything that needed attention around the house. If there was a friend, neighbor, or family member that Gary noticed needed a helping hand, he would jump in and help without any question. Gary will be remembered fondly by his family as a caring and kind husband, dad, and grandpa.
Gary is survived by his wife of 63 years, Karen of Estherville, his five children Debra (Pat) Early, Janice (David) Huddleston, Theresa (Curtis) Packard, Gary (Stefanie) Cross, and Patricia (Robb) Nutt; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and two on the way. He is also survived by his siblings Caroline (Daryl) Donner, Darold “Toby” Cross, Sarah Corey, and Darwin Cross.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Mary Jane Martin, Martha Maggio, Karen Miller, and Harry Cross.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
