Gary Patrick Stice

1954 - 2024

Gary Patrick Stice, 70, of Keokuk went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 16, 2024, at his home per his wishes with his loving wife by his side, after a courageous battle with liver cancer. "Rest well my love... no more pain or suffering. I will miss you until we meet again."

He was born Dec. 10, 1954 in Keokuk, to William Elmer Stice, Sr. and Mabel Harriet Jeffrey Stice. Gary attended Keokuk Community School District.

On Nov. 2, 1996, Gary was united in marriage to his best friend and soul mate, Sherry, at their home in Keokuk. She survives. He is also survived by two sons, Jason (Lindsey) Stice and Joshua Stice; two step-sons, Alan Snyder and Jacob Snyder; five granddaughters; two grandsons; one great-grandson; one brother, Billy Stice; several nieces; and many friends, including his close friends, Kevin Helmick, Randy Kay and Leo Turner.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Jack Smith; one brother, Wallace Fogel; and two sisters, Virginia Winn and Mary Bennett. Gary was employed by the City of Keokuk for 8 years.

He then worked at Keokuk Steel Castings, where he was a member of United Steel Workers #3311 Union, for 30 years until his retirement on March 14, 2016. Gary had a strong faith, and his decision to follow God and talking to him each day changed him into a faithful servant of God. He went down by the river daily to spend time talking to the Lord and just looking at the beauty and peacefulness of the river. He loved watching barges locking through the dam, watching for eagles, feeding the many ducks and visiting with friends. Before his retirement, he loved going fishing and working with wood. After his retirement, he became an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs and Iowa Hawkeyes. Gary got a love of watching trains from his father who would tell him stories about when he was growing up and hopping on trains to travel to Memphis, Missouri to visit Gary's Mom. His Dad also instilled in him a love of the American flag. Gary was proud to have a flag in his front yard, and enjoyed looking at it daily. He was a fan of car shows and liked reminiscing about some of the cars he had in the past, especially his 1978 Chevy Nova and 1964 Chevy Impala. He especially loved spending time with his little buddy, Grandson Hunter Snyder.

Per Gary's wishes there will be no visitation or formal service. Cremation rites have been accorded at Vigen Memorial Home. A Gathering of Remembrance/Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later time down by the river.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Gary's memory through donations to the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice (Fort Madison) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com