HOLLAND, Gary Lee 1951-2009

HOLLAND, LOHR

Posted By: K. Kittleson (email)
Date: 3/26/2009 at 10:55:27

Gary Lee Holland, 57, passed away on Wednesday (March 18, 2009), at his home in Waterloo, of an apparent heart attack.

He was born on Dec. 22, 1951, in Denver, Colo., the son of Francis and Lora (Lohr) Holland. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1970. He graduated with honors from the University of Northern Iowa in 1999 with a bachelor of arts degree in general industry and technology and in 2001 with a master of arts in industrial technology.

After leaving Mason City, he lived and worked in New Orleans, La., and in Waterloo. His fields of expertise were manufacturing, industry equipment design and repair, metal fabrication and repair and construction management.

Gary was a skilled wood and metal craftsman. He was an excellent cook, auto mechanic and computer technician. He was a knowledgeable woodsman: enjoying scouting, camping, fishing and canoeing. In 1981, he and a friend piloted a pontoon boat down the Mississippi River from Saint Paul, Minn., to New Orleans. He remained in New Orleans working in manufacturing and ship repair for ten years before moving back to Iowa.

Gary was an honest and generous man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed spending time with his family and close friends.

He is survived by his parents, Francis and Lora Holland (Mason City); a brother, John (Michelle) Holland (Cedar Falls); sisters, Chris (Ron) Nelson (Waverly) and Diane (Tim) Walrod (Hanlontown); nieces, Alissa and Angie Gomez, Alanna Lloyd, Jami Campbell, Brooke and Rachel Clark; nephews, Dan Lloyd and Evan Campbell; a great- niece, Alexia Gomez; special friends, Ralph Smith and Jan Kiel; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by an infant sister, Linda Holland; his grandparents, Carl and Minnie Holland, Hazel and John Lohr; and a brother-in-law, Ray Gomez.

After cremation, a memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1405 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, with a lunch to follow.

Memorials may be directed to Winnebago BSA Council or Wesley United Methodist Church.

Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service, Waterloo.

[Published in the Globe Gazette - 3/26/2009]