Gary Dean Schoenrock

Aug. 8, 1935 - July 30, 2025
Ankeny - Gary Dean Schoenrock, 89, of Ankeny, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.
Gary was born on Aug. 8, 1935, in Hawarden, to Emil and Ellen (Durr) Schoenrock. He
was a 1954 graduate of Hawarden High School. On Oct. 18, 1957, he married the love of his
life, Holly Jean Giffin, and together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage before her passing.
Gary dedicated 33 years of his career to the Iowa Highway Commission (Iowa Department
of Transportation) as an Engineer Technician. Following his retirement, he wasn't ready to slow down and started his own company, Southwest Inspection, in Atlantic, where he worked
until he retired again at age 70.
For 50 years, Gary and Holly made their home in Atlantic, raising their family and becoming active and respected members of the community. He volunteered as a Boy Scout leader and Little League coach and served as a board member and president of the Nishna Hills Golf Course.
An avid sports fan, he enjoyed playing softball, volleyball, and golf. He was a lifelong fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Kansas City Chiefs, and could often be found watching any sporting event on television. Above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In 2013, he and Holly moved to Ankeny to be closer to them.
Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Holly; his sister, Elaine Kerr; brothers, Garlan and Dennis; and his parents. He is survived by his children, Terri (Mike) Sawatzky of Ankeny, Scott (Pam) Schoenrock of Atlantic, and David (Sandra) Schoenrock
of Des Moines; six grandchildren, Kelsi (Tanner) Linden, Trevor (Julia) Sawatzky, Benton (Mary) Schoenrock, Clay Schoenrock, Alyssa Schoenrock, and Emily Schoenrock; four great-grand- daughters, Layla, Penny, Karter, and Piper; and one great grand- son, Torey. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Grace Hill Cemetery in Hawarden, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 as a tribute to what would have been Gary and Holly's 68th wedding anniversary.
Memories of Gary may be shared at www.MemorialServicesOfIowa.com