James "Gary" Laughlin

James (Gary) Laughlin, 68, son of James L. (Jimmie) and Marie (Carr) Laughlin, was born on Feb. 24, 1939, at St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha. He passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.
Gary was raised on a farm 10 miles from Imogene. He attended St. Patrick's Academy in Imogene through the 8th grade and then attended Shenandoah High School, graduating with the Class of 1957.
During this time he was active in FFA and enjoyed helping his father on the farm. Gary then attended Creighton University in Omaha, receiving a Degree in Pharmacy in 1962.
On Nov. 24, 1962, Gary was united in marriage to Mary Ellen "Mem" Minette in Columbus, Neb., at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Following their marriage they made their home in Omaha before moving to Shenandoah in 1964. To this union two children, Scott and Joe were born.
While still in high school Gary began working at Jay's fountain. While attending Creighton, he worked in Jay's pharmacy and later for McDonald Drug in Omaha. Following his graduation in 1962, he worked at the Cogley Clinic in Council Bluffs. In 1964, he returned to Jay Drug and became manager in 1970. In 1984, he purchased the store.
He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Shenandoah Tennis Association, former member of Rotary, the Iowa Pharmacists Association and the American Pharmacists Association. In his spare time, Gary enjoyed tennis, bridge, photography, reading and attending plays and concerts. He particularly enjoyed attending the events his grandchildren were in.
He loved attending mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church and the related activities such as the softball games and special events. He also loved visiting and talking to people as well as attending auctions and collecting antiques.
Preceding Gary in death were his parents; step-mother, Stella Whisler Laughlin; and all of his aunts and uncles on both sides.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Mem Laughlin of Shenandoah; son, Scott Laughlin of Imogene; grandson and granddaughter, John and Meighan Laughlin of Shenandoah; Scott's wife, Jill and son, Tyler Laughlin of Imogene; step grandchildren, April, Alexa and Mark of Omaha; son, Joe Laughlin of Lincoln; brother, Pat Laughlin and wife Betty and their children, Kristine, Megan, Maureen and Kevin, all of Lancaster, Penn.; sister-in-laws, Joni Eckmann of Lexington, Ken., Dorothy Gola of Round Rock, Texas, and Virginia Minette of Fayettville, Ark.; brother-in-laws, Dr. Larry Minette of Greenville, S.C., and David Minette of San Diego; cousins, Helen (Laughlin) Lewis and Geraldine Laughlin of Shenandoah, Rolfe and Kathleen (Haley) Taylor and their daughters, Erin (Gary's Goddaughter) and Kelly Taylor, all of Knoxville; numerous nieces, nephews and other cousins other relatives and many friends.
Mass of Christian Burial services were held on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah. Celebrant was the Rev. Vern Smith with assistance from Pastor Ronald Nelson. Eucharistic ministers were Isabella Hanzlick, Linda Laughlin and Dana Wenstrand.
Altar server was Dennis Ryan. Lector was Dana Wenstrand. Organist was Kim Troxel and the vocalists were Sue Hanna and Tommy Hanna.
The pall was placed on the casket by Kathleen and Rolfe Taylor. Gift bearers were Linda Laughlin, Meighan Laughlin and John Laughlin. Caring for the flowers were Katherine Smidt, Betty Jane Shaw and Jan Ludwig. Ushers were Pat Emge, Doug McGinnis and Lou Saner. Honorary casket bearers were all of the George Jay Drug and Hallmark Shoppe employees and customers, Dr. Marvin Belknap, Ed Dwyer, Charlie Eickhoff, Mike Irvin, Howard Johnson, Thomas L. Keleher, Bud Laughlin, Ed Laughlin, Bill Ludwig, Ron Osborn, Jack Smith and Roland Tiemeyer. Casket bearers were Ernie Aust, David Eckmann, Larry George, Brian Norton, Kaye Norton, Pete Wenstrand and Chan Van Houten.
Interment was in the Mount Calvary Cemetery at Imogene. Memorials are being directed to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Gary's name.
The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah was in charge of the arrangements.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.hackettlivingston.com on the web.