Huffman, Gary Roquel (1935 - 2011)

HUFFMAN, ERICKSON, GOSCH, BLUM

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 2/2/2012 at 14:03:53

Submitted by Marthann Kohl, posted by permission

Source: Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home

Gary Roquel Huffman
September 13, 1935 - February 2, 2011

Gary “Hoppy” Roquel Huffman, the son of Vernon Elliott and Elsie Merlene (Erickson) Huffman, was born on September 13, 1935, in Harlan, Iowa. After graduating from Harlan High School in 1954, Hoppy served in the United States Air Force for four years. On January 20, 1956, Hoppy married Wanda Emily Gosch. The couple later divorced.

After he returned from the service, he began working as a heavy equipment operator for Western Engineering, helping build roads all over the country; part of this work included I-80 through Iowa. Due to health concerns, Hoppy retired in 1995. In May, 2010, he became a resident of the Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center in Avoca, Iowa.

Hoppy worked hard and played hard, and was a friend to many. He also enjoyed collecting mini-lamps, brass items, and nice cars.

Gary “Hoppy” Huffman died on Wednesday, February 2, 2011, at the Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center in Avoca, Iowa, having reached the age of 75 years, 4 months, and 20 days.

Hoppy was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by one daughter, Jane Blum of Spirit Lake, Iowa; two sons, Joe Huffman and Jim (friend, Tatia) Huffman, both of Spirit Lake, Iowa; one brother, Roger Huffman of Omaha, Nebraska; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Family and friends are invited to meet at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 12, 2011, at 301 Market Street, Harlan, Iowa, to celebrate Gary and his life. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan is in charge of the arrangements.

Hometown: Harlan, IA

Visitation date: Saturday, Feb 12, 2011
Visitation time: 4:00 p.m.
Visitation location: 301 Market Street, Harlan, IA