Gary L. Breiner, 1956-2007

BREINER, KENNIKER, SCHUMACHER, KELLY

Posted By: Cheryl Moonen (email)
Date: 4/13/2014 at 20:42:50

Gary L. Breiner, 51, of 11948 Sherrill Road, died Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main St., where friends may call after 9 a.m. Saturday. Burial will be in Center Grove Cemetery.

He was born on March 9, 1956, in Dubuque, son of Norman L. and Donna K. (Kenniker) Breiner. Gary was born and raised in Dubuque. He lived on the wild side of life occasionally but never lost sight of who he really was and why he was on earth.

Gary loved his family and moved back to Dubuque about eight years ago, after living in southern California and Salt Lake City for many years after high school, to be closer to them. Even while living away from Dubuque, he was surrounded by relatives and childhood friends. He never tired of being called the baby of the family.

His career focused on manual labor, auto mechanics and as a trucker throughout his life, until his first stroke in 2000.

Gary enjoyed many animals, especially dogs. He never turned his back on anyone needing something he could provide. He possessed a heart of gold and demonstrated that sensitivity and caring throughout his life. His quick humor, friendly smile, and great storytelling ability were all part of his everyday life. Even after several strokes, he made jokes about his forgetfulness and found humor in mundane events. You couldn't help but enjoy his company, friendliness and good nature. He insisted on living by himself, enjoying that freedom, right up until the massive stroke he suffered this week.

Motorcycles, cars, family and friends were his passion. He found the Lord years ago so we are thankful he is in heaven watching over us now. To say that Gary will be greatly missed by family and friends is an understatement.

Surviving are his parents, Norman and Donna Breiner, of Dubuque; two sisters, Pam (Frank) Schumacher, of Windsor Heights, Iowa, and Candy (Bill) Kelly, of Dubuque; a brother, Norm (Elaine Kelly-Breiner) Breiner, of Dubuque; and nieces, nephews and cousins.