Gary L. Creery

Gary L. Creery obituary, Grundy Center, IA

Gary L. Creery

Gary Creery Obituary

Visit the Abels Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Engelkes Chapel website to view the full obituary.

Gary L. Creery, 83, of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Iowa River Hospice in Marshalltown, Iowa. 

Gary was born on September 26, 1941, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, to his parents Lloyd and Thressa (Gunn) Creery. He was raised in the Emmetsburg and Spirit Lake area of Iowa, and graduated from Cedar Falls High School. On September 30, 1960, Gary was united in marriage to Janice Newton at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple welcomed a son and daughter into their family and enjoyed 64 wonderful years together.

Gary worked for the Iowa DOT in Grundy County for 34 years. He began his career as a level 1 equipment operator and worked his way up to supervisor at his retirement. Gary loved hunting both ducks and turkeys as well as camping. He enjoyed playing golf and was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan. Gary was also a huge Elvis fan, and his daughter Kristi took both he and Janice on a pilgrimage to Graceland, Elvis’ estate. It was the trip of a lifetime.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife Janice; son Mark (Nancy) Creery; daughter Kristi (Mark) Hasek; grandchildren Megan Combs, Taylor (Madye) Creery, Tanner (Bridget) Creery, Zachary Creery, Madison Creery, Emily Creery, Brooklyn Hasek, and Nicole Hasek (Dylan Dickey); 6 great-grandchildren; brothers Bob (JoAnn) Creery and Jack (Marna) Creery. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services and interment are private. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family. 

Abels Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Engelkes Chapel

509 4th Street, Grundy Center, IA 50638

How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gary Creery's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more