Gary Duane Downing 1941-2006

DOWNING, STAFFORD, BURNHAM, BRADY, GREEN, SINGLETON, KADERA

Posted By: Paul Moritz (email)
Date: 11/29/2010 at 05:42:22

Gary Downing, age 65, of Decorah, Iowa, died Thursday, April 27, 2006, at his home following a long illness. A private family graveside service was held at the Smithfield Cemetery with full military rites. Arrangements were by Schluter-Balik Funeral Home of Decorah.

Gary Duane Downing was born February 28, 1941, the son of Vernon and Bernice (Stafford) Downing in Waukon, Iowa. Gary attended Waukon schools and served in the US Navy on the USS Kitty Hawk for four years. In 1966, he married Candice Burnham in California and together they had four children. He later married Donna Brady in 1981. He moved to Monona in 1968, working construction and then later to Chicago, driving truck. In 1994, he moved to Decorah and ran dispatch for his nephew, Steve Downing, at Downing Construction, until his health forced him to quit. Gary enjoyed gambling at the Isle of Capri, was an avid Green Bay Packer and Hawkeye fan, and loved his family and grandchildren.

Gary’s survivors include his five children, Karen (Rob) Singleton of Ashland, Mo., Jeff Downing of Glen Ellyn, Ill., James (friend Robin) Downing of Postville, Cathy Downing of Protivin, and an adoptive son, Bill (Beth) Downing of Ludington, Mich.; eight grandchildren, Austen and Kelsey Singleton, Colton and Cade Downing, Jeffery and Jared Krueger, and Courtney and Madison Downing; one sister, Darlene (Gene) Kadera of Sumner; four brothers, Robert (Kay) Downing of Polson, Mont., Neale (Cheryl) Downing of Harpers Ferry, Bill (Nancy) Downing of Fallon, Nev., and Dean (Hazel) Downing of Postville; and several nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and a special aunt, Maxine (Stafford) Green.

Waukon, IA Standard, May 2, 2006