Gary Howard BROTHERS

BROTHERS, JACOBMEYER, KENOI, NEVE, HUTCHINGS, KNOLL

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/27/2013 at 12:51:03

September 22, 1934 --- January 11, 2013

Gary H. Brothers, 78, of Mason City, passed away on Friday, January 11, 2013, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. A celebration of life service for Gary will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 2, 2013, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street NE, Mason City, with Reverend Kenneth Gehling officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the chapel. Military honors will be accorded by members of the Mason City Veterans Association on Saturday at the chapel. The family requests any memorial contributions be made to Hospice of North Iowa, Humane Society of North Iowa, or one of the donor’s choice. Per his wishes, Gary’s body was donated to Mayo Clinic for Medical Research. Private interment will take place at a later date.

Gary Howard Brothers entered this world on September 22, 1934, in Belmond, Iowa, the son of Joy (Jacobmeyer) and George Brothers. He spent his formative years, while attending Belmond Schools and participating in various sports. On occasion, Gary enjoyed sharing stories of biking, fishing, and pheasant hunting, during his youth. His maternal grandparents and the town of Belmond held a special place in his heart throughout his lifetime.

Following schooling, Gary honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps form 1954 to 1959. During that time he met a certain Hawaiian “sweetheart”, Elsie Kenoi, while both were stationed in California. The two officially became one on August 21, 1959, after exchanging vows in their beloved Golden State. Upon completing their military service, the couple moved to North Iowa, eventually settling in Mason City. To this union, two sons were born: Frank, and Curtis.

Gary began working for Decker’s Meatpacking Plant in 1960. While there, he held various positions, up until the plants closing in 1975. Driven as he was, Gary also shingled houses for several years, during and after his stint at Deckers; often partnering with Denny Smith. They proved to be an excellent team. On the rare instance of recurring problem, it would be rectified without excuses or further charges. He was a man of integrity. In the early 1980’s, Gary started at Armour Foods (later Con-Agra Foods), again working in different capacities, until retiring in 2001.

Though he enjoyed participation and watching most major sports, Gary developed a passion for bowling that endured throughout much of his life. He was a fixture in area leagues, earning much recognition and various awards over the years. It was not uncommon for him to hit weekend tournaments throughout Iowa/Minnesota with the likes of Ed Albers, Bill French, Cliff Alitz, and others. For Gary, one of the highlights of that era was his recent induction into the Mason City Bowling Hall of Fame. Periodically, he spoke of the respect and high regard he held for the friendships that initiated through bowling. Gary and Elsie thoroughly enjoyed many couples they’d met by sharing this common interest. Gary had a penchant for growing vegetables (especially potatoes and tomatoes) and flowers notably Iris, Peonies, and Roses). Plumeria was a favorite Hawaiian blossom of his. He was an avid supporter of the Chicago Cubs, Green Bay Packers, and Boston Celtics sports teams. An occasional viewing of the Iowa Hawkeye’s wasn’t out of the question either. Gary held a healthy appreciation of nature and the animal world, especially dogs. Among his travels, lasting memories were made during standout trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Branson, Missouri, with Elsie and family. Another passion was music and the arts. He and Elsie shared a deep appreciation for dance as well. They had the pleasure of taking in several concerts, notably the Eagles, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Tony Bennett, The Doobie Brothers, and Blood, Sweat, & Tears; among others. Gary and Elsie enjoyed a special time with his Aunt Alice and Uncle Howard (Jacobmeyer): viewing a Frank Sinatra performance (front row seats!). His taste spanned Jazz, and Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Motown, Pop/Rock and Gary was a staunch supporter of the underdog, who was always willing to help anyone in need. He personified solid work ethic, commitment, personal accountability, duty, loyalty, humility, and love of Family. Gary enjoyed associations with people from all walks of life, regardless of economic class or appearance. He was comfortable talking to anyone, and was rarely intimidated. It was a life lived simply, honorably, and without pretense.

Gary’s wife Elsie, and sons Frank and Curtis, are very proud of all his accomplishments and look forward to continuing his legacy. He will be eternally loved and forever missed by all who really knew him. The Family would like to extend special thanks to the Hospice Staff, especially nurse Katie H; and Lark Trygstad of Mercy Internal Medicine.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his Best Friend and wife of 53 years, Elsie Brothers, Mason City; sons, Frank Brothers, and Curtis Brothers; and his beloved German Shepherd; granddaughters, RaShell Neve; Uncle, Howard Jacobmeyer of Minnesota, and several cousins. Also left to cherish Gary’s memory are several nieces and nephews, his sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law. Preceding Gary in death were his parents, maternal grandparents, Frank and Mabel Jacobmeyer; Aunt and Uncle, Gladys and Joe Hutchings; Aunt and Uncle, Mildred and Lloyd Knoll; and Aunt, Alice Jacobmeyer.

Until we are united again Dad, Semper Fi!

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