Gary Hart Andreesen

Gary Hart Andreesen, 91, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with family by his side.

Gary was born May 17, 1934, in Anamosa, Iowa, to Lulu Leona Hart Andreesen and Gerhard Folkers Andreesen.

Following his graduation from Anamosa High School, Gary served four years in the U.S. Navy. After his term in the service, he ran a milk route with Davis Dairy, worked at Nash Finch, then he spent 30 years at Rockwell Collins until his retirement. Following retirement, Gary worked at the Hy-Vee grocery store on Collins Road, often giving children quarters for the merry-go-round. He was known by many as the "Hy-Vee Guy".

Gary was always about the fun; he enjoyed family vacations, going to the casino, movies, bowling, roller-skating, motorcycles, driving his car and playing pool or ping pong. He also loved lounging poolside, though he never learned to swim-Megan and Michelle both "rescued" him in the pool on several occasions!

He is survived by his daughters, Carrie Schmidt (Gary) and Michelle Lehmkuhl (Paul); Sherry Freshour (Darrel) and Darnell Brown (Allison); sister Evelyn VanDuyne; nephews Larry Kraus (Maralee), Tom Kraus and niece Elaine Haigh (John). Gary had 15 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. He was especially close to his granddaughter Megan Williams; they spent a great deal of time together and took trips to the casino as often as possible.

If you knew Gary, you knew he had a desire for all to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

We would like to extend a special thank you to the VA in Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City; the Patriot Angels Team, the Home-Based Primary Care Team; his Granddaughter, Grace Tiffany for the additional care whenever it was needed; Visiting Angels (Kim and Medi) and Care Initiatives Hospice. The support and care provided these last several years have meant so much to the family!!

A private graveside service will be held, with a celebration of life to follow at a later time. In lieu of flowers, plants, and gifts, memorials may be directed to Gary's family. Please visit Goettschonline.com to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences.

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