Gary Dean Telford (1952-2014)

TELFORD, MOENCH, ANDERSEN, FOTH, GROVES

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 7/20/2014 at 11:09:37

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

Gary Dean Telford was born December 1, 1952 to Dean and Delores (Moench) Telford at Camp Pendleton, California. He was baptized on December 28, 1952 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Oceanside, California. He confirmed his faith at Peace Lutheran Church in West Bend, May 7, 1967. Gary graduated in 1971 from Twin Rivers High School in Bode and served in the United States Naval Reserves from 1972 to 1978. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Northern of Iowa. He received his Masters Degree from Drake University.

His first teaching position after graduation was at Lake City, where he taught science. He worked at Ballard Community School District from 1979 to 1999, where he coached softball and held the position of Athletic Director. He was Athletic Director at Indianola High School from 1999 to 2002. At Ankeny Community School he was the Activities Director from 2002 to 2011.

Gary remained busy even in retirement—substitute teaching, starting track meets, ushering at Hilton Coliseum, working at the Iowa Hall of Pride, and traveling to visit friends. His last job was coaching the eighth grade Girls’ Softball team at Ballard.

Gary was inducted into the Iowa Softball Coaches Hall of Fame; received the Iowa High School Speech Association Administrator of the Year Award (the only athletic director to ever receive the award); Iowa Official of the Year for Cross Country and Track; Iowa High School Activities Director of the Year; inducted into the Ankeny High School Coaches Hall of fame; a long-time starter for the State Co-Ed Cross Country meet; and served two five-year terms on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.

Bud Legg, Information Director at the Iowa High School Athletic Association, said, “Gary led three superlative activity programs at three very different sized schools. He never sought out recognition or awards for his works, but he was recognized by others for his dedication to students and the activities there were participated in during his career.”

Gary passed away June 19, 2014 at 61 years of age.

Gary is survived by his parents, Dean and Delores Telford, of Humboldt; his brother, Steve (Lori) Telford, of Adel; three sisters, Deb (Scott) Andersen of Douglas, Wyoming; Diane (Brad) Foth, of Livermore; and Nancy (David) Groves of Colleyville, Texas; and eight nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name.

JUN 23 Funeral Service 10:30AM
Ankeny High School
1155 SW Cherry Street
Ankeny, IA, US, 50023

JUN 23 Burial 03:00PM
Union Cemetery
1131 Delaware Ave.
Ottosen, IA, US, 50570

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

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