"So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family."
In loving memory of
Gary Linn Gray
August 25, 1952 - December 7, 2016
Gary Gray, 64, Silver City, IA, passed away at his Silver City home on December 7, 2016. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2016 at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Glenwood, IA with Pastor Ken Demlow officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service starting at 12 noon until service time at the funeral home.
Memorials are directed to the family
Gary Linn Gray, one of seven children of John and Dorothy (Merkel) Gray, was born on August 25, 1952 in Somers Point, New Jersey. He received his education from the schools in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. He lived in the Plattsmouth area until 1998, when Silver City, Iowa became his home. Gary worked at the Glenwood Resource Center for 20+ years as a resident treatment worker.
Gary and Lynda Dianne Kruger were married on May 8, 1999 in Glenwood, Iowa.
Gary enjoyed playing "Santa" along with Lynda as "Mrs. Claus" for the last 17 years. He was recognized with a volunteer award from the governor for his work at the state school. Gary enjoyed music, playing the guitar, and woodworking.
Gary passed away at his home in Silver City on December 7, 2016 at the age of 64 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and five of his brothers.
Gary is survived by his wife of 17 years Lynda Gray of Silver City; his daughters, LeAnn and Laura; Lynda's children, Marie and James; five grandchildren, Lola, Jared, Elijah, Mia, and Alyssa; brother Charles Gray and wife Diane of Topeka, KS; several nieces and nephews; other relatives; and a host of friends.
Tributes
"So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He and Lynda will long be remembered by hundreds of children for being the jolly Santa and Mrs. Claus. A heart of gold and a very caring person. Just by being in the room he could bring a smile to anyone. Prayers to the family, and God Bless."
"I have know Gary for a lot of years. Then I met Lynda,and they were such a great pair. You were never sad around Gary, he made sure of that. The would lost a loving,caring person with the heart of a giant.So sorry for your loss. Ron and Sheri McVey and Teri Fritz"
"So sorry to hear of Gary's passing he was a good man loved working with him and he was so good at being Santa and you as Mrs. Clause. Sending prayers to you and the entire family."
"So sadden to hear the news of Gary's passing. Although I only knew Gary as Santa, I'm sure he was a wonderful man and will be missed by so many. Treynor will miss Gary and Lynda as they had attended our Christmas events the past eight years and brought so much joy to so many children. May all of your wonderful memories ease the pain of losing Gary."
"So sorry to hear of Gary's death. He will be fondly remembered as the best Santa ever! Jan Morrison, The Lund Company"
"I have known Gary since I was old enough to go to his home to play on wintersteen hill. Went through school with him and finally found him on Facebook...very much loved with fond memories. Love to all his family! "
"I have fond memories of working with this wonderful,caring man and his equally sweet wife.my thoughts go out to you,Lynda and your family Penny Eichelberger"
"To Gary's Family & Friends. Its sad to lose someone in death. What helped me the most was prayers and faith in God's promise at Psalm 34:18 "God is close to the broken heart: he saves those who are crushed in spirit." For more comforting scriptures, please visit: http://bit.ly/1K38EFt. God's Kingdom that Jesus taught us to pray for will bring about these wonderful promises. My prayers are with you at this difficult time. If you wish to contact me at: ikeyes@msn.com"
"Silver City will miss it's Santa Claus... RIP Gary... your neighbors the Millers"
"It came as a shock to me, the passing of Gary. He was a delightfully, sweet man who cared for so many people. His laughter and friendship was contagious. He truly will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to family, especially Lynda during this time. May he fly among the other angels. "
"So saddened to hear of Gary's passing. I have been blessed to know both of you sweet people. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Lynda. "