Gary Leland Spence

1936 - 2026

Gary Leland Spence

Marengo

Gary Leland Spence was born September 29, 1936, in New Virginia, Iowa, the son of Bert and Joanna (Baird) Spence. He attended New Virginia High School where he was involved with the FFA. Gary was employed by Governor Beardsley while in school. Gary was united in marriage to Delma Marie Bryant on December 18, 1953. Together they moved to a farm near Woodburn, then to Indianola, before making Marengo their home in 1957. There, Gary was employed by Pioneer Seed and owned and operated Spence Trucking. When retired from trucking he helped Charlie and George Scott with harvest. Gary enjoyed tending to his cattle and the families' horses and donkeys, bowling on the Wednesday men's league, and attending his grandchildren's sporting events. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, especially of basketball. Gary died Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Compass Memorial Healthcare in Marengo at the age of 89 years.

He is survived by his daughters, Susan Smith, Sandra Kinzenbaw and Doug (Kari) Spence all of Marengo; 6 grandchildren, Duane Smith of Marengo, Brandi (Tony) Beecher of Cascade, Derek Smith of Marengo, Courtney (Rhett) Taylor of Marengo, Dylan Spence of Marengo and Sidney Spence (Garrett Sargent) of Cedar Rapids; 10 great-grandchildren, Kayla (Dallas) Durkop of Lost Nation, Savannah Smith (Nick Wilkinson) of Blairstown, Davis Smith, Dawson Smith, Dane Smith, all of Marengo, Dalton Beecher (Skylar Taylor) of Des Moines, Brody Beecher, and Avery Beecher, both of Cascade, Declan Smith and Liddy Kinzenbaw of Marengo; great-great-grandson David Durkop and another expected in July; and his brother Harry (Pat) Spence of Indianola. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers Charlie and Bob, sister Hazel, and sons-in-law Ross Butler and Wally Smith.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the American Legion Hall in Marengo. Visitation: Monday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home in Marengo. Burial will be held at a later date. A memorial fund has been established for the Hope For All Foundation. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Marengo is caring for Gary and his family. Messages may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.