Gary Thomas Stumberg

Gary Thomas Stumberg, 73, of Dike, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Cedar Valley Hospice Home following a courageous battle against cancer. A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the Dike United Methodist Church.

Gary was born on August 22, 1952, in Grundy Center, Iowa, to Dale and Elaine (Dewner) Stumberg. He was raised on the family farm in rural Dike where he learned the values of hard work and enjoyed endless days outdoors, competing in every game imaginable with his spirited siblings. Gary graduated from Dike High School with the Class of 1970, where he was an accomplished student athlete in football, basketball, track and baseball. He went on to earn his teaching degree from Wartburg College in 1974 and later continued his education at the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned a specialist degree and pursued his doctorate. On April 23, 1971, Gary was united in marriage to the love of his life, Pam Murphy, at the Dike United Methodist Church. Together, they built a loving home and shared life in several Iowa communities as Gary pursued his career in education. They were blessed with two children, Jen and Brandon.

Gary began his career as a teacher and coach before transitioning into school administration, where he served as principal and superintendent of several Iowa school districts, and eventually as assistant administrator and later chief administrator for Area Education Agency 1 (AEA 1). Gary was proud to give back to the field of education by teaching administrative courses for the University of Northern Iowa at its satellite campuses, helping shape and inspire the next generation of educational leaders. Throughout his career, Gary was known for his leadership, integrity, and dedication to improving education for students and staff across Iowa.

Gary was also deeply involved in the Iowa High School Athletics Association, serving on the Representative Council and later on the Board of Control. In honor of his leadership, service and support of education, he received the prestigious Bernie Saggau Award of Merit in 2009. His professional life reflected his deep commitment to students, athletics, and education.

Outside of work, Gary was a faithful member of the Dike United Methodist Church and served the congregation for 13 years on various committees. He was also a proud member of the Lions Club in several of the communities where he and Pam lived, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service and community involvement. Gary was an avid golfer who also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working on finishing and remodeling projects at home. He was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeyes fan and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his grandsons in their many sports and activities. His greatest joy in life came from spending time with his family—especially his grandsons, who were the light of his life.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife Pam; daughter Jen (Lew) Vasey; son Brandon Stumberg; grandsons Owen Thomas Vasey and Oliver George Vasey; sisters Pam (Jon) Masmar, Barb (Bill) Seifert, and Deb Wildeboer; mother-in-law Beverly Murphy; and brother in-law Kent (Vicki) Murphy and Brent Scheumann.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Glen Stumberg; sister Karen Stumberg; father-in-law Kenneth Murphy; sister-in-law Deb Scheumann; and brother-in-law Dallas Wildeboer.

Memorials may be made to the family for distribution to charities and causes that reflect Gary’s life and values.