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Obituary For Gary Dean Schoenrock
Gary Dean Schoenrock, 89, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.
Gary was born on August 8, 1935, in Hawarden, Iowa, to Emil and Ellen (Durr) Schoenrock. He was a 1954 graduate of Hawarden High School. On October 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, Iowa, 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-granddaughters, Layla, Penny, Karter, and Piper; and one great grandson, Torey. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Grace Hill Cemetery in Hawarden, Iowa, at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as a tribute to what would have been Gary and Holly’s 68th wedding anniversary.
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Many, many memories of Mr. AND Mrs. Schoenrock (that's how my sister and I were taught to address them). Gary worked with my dad, George Calvert, in the Materials Lab in Atlantic. Gary was always one of the highly respected members of the gang. Thanks to your family for all the support and memories you gave to our family. God Bless
So many memories as growing up being an extended family. Love, prayers, and gratitude! Ox
