Wallace, Gary Jay 1940-2006

WALLACE, BUYERT, TERLOUW

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/29/2006 at 21:04:11

Gary Jay Wallace was born on September 21, 1940 in Pella, IA. He was the only child of Henrietta Buyert and Robert Dale Wallace.

Gary attended the Pella Schools and graduated from Pella High School in 1958. While in High School Gary was active in sports, lettering in football, basketball and baseball. In 1962 Gary graduated with a B.S. degree in education from Central College. While in college, Gary lettered in baseball.

On July 28, 1961 Gary was united in marriage to Marilyn Jean TerLouw at the Trinity Church in Pella. To this union two daughters were born.

In 1962 Gary began his teaching and coaching career in Knoxville. He taught primarily 8th grade science and coached baseball, basketball, track and football. Gary retired from teaching full time in 1996. He continued to substitute teach and coach track and 9th grade football until suffering a near fatal heart attack in 2003. His last football game was September 3, 2005 when health forced him to retire.

In 1989 Gary was honored at the Drake Relays by the Iowa Track Coaches Association and the Iowa High School Athletic Association for devoting 25 years of service to Iowa High School Track programs and hundred of young athletes. In 2003 Gary was honored by the Iowa Association of Track Officials for volunteering his time for over 40 years as a finish line judge and timer at the Panther Relays and other track meets since 1963.

During his early years, Gary was active playing softball for several teams, playing recreational basketball and officiating basketball games for many years.

Gary was an avid golfer with memberships at Pine Knolls Country Club and Bos Landen Golf Resort. He achieved the coveted "hole in one" in 2003 on the 5th hole at Pine Knolls Country Club. Gary always dreamed of living on a golf course. Marilyn and Gary moved to their dream home at Bos Landen Golf Resort on the 10th green.

Gary was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville where he served as usher for many years. Gary enjoyed the Sprint Car Races and Nationals. He had an extensive collection of model cars. During retirement Gary managed to golf at least 5 days every week. He always followed the Iowa Cubs baseball team and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Friday evenings in the fall always meant local high school football for Gary. He also liked to play pitch Thursday afternoons. During the past year Gary looked forward to vanilla malts from Smokey Row. The greatest joys in Gary's life however were his grandchildren. He cherished the time spent with them, following their activities and progress through life.

Gary passed away on Sat. April 29, 2006 at the Hospice Comfort House in Pella at the age of 65 years 7 months and 8 days.

Preceding him in death were his parents; father-in-law, John E. TerLouw and a niece, Julie Uitermarkt.

Those left to mourn his passing are his wife of 44 years, Marilyn of Pella; 2 daughters, Laura Wallace and Bob Aringdale of Charles City and Jana Windt and her husband, Troy of Maple Grove, MN; 6 grandchildren, Emily Klatt of Iowa City, Tyler Klatt of Charles City, and Mitchell, Perry, Robert and Charlotte Windt of Maple Grove, MN; mother-in-law, Leona TerLouw of Pella; sister-in-law, Nancy and her husband, Mark McCaune of Des Moines and brother-in-law, Andy TerLouw and his wife, Susan of Kellogg.

Interment was in the Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Wallace may be made to the "Save Our Stadium Restoration Fund".

The Pella Chronicle, May 10, 2006