In loving memory of

Gary Laughlin
December 19, 2008

James "Gary" Laughlin, 68, son of James Louis and Marie (Carr) Laughlin, was born on February 24, 1939, at St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. He passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2007, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.
Gary was raised on a farm 10 miles from Imogene, Iowa. He attended St. Patrick's Academy in Imogene through the 8th grade and then attended Shenandoah High School, graduating with the Class of 1957. During this time he was active in FFA and enjoyed helping his father on the farm. Gary then attended Creighton University in Omaha, receiving a Degree in Pharmacy in 1962.
On November 24, 1962, Gary was united in marriage to Mary Ellen "Mem" Minette in Columbus, Nebraska, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Following their marriage they made their home in Omaha before moving to Shenandoah in 1964. To this union two children, Scott and Joe were born.
While still in high school Gary began working at Jay's fountain. While attending Creighton, he worked in Jay's pharmacy and later for McDonald Drug in Omaha. Following his graduation in 1962, he worked at the Cogley Clinic in Council Bluffs. In 1964, he returned to Jay Drug and became manager in 1970. In 1984, he purchased the store.
He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Knight of Columbus, Shenandoah Tennis Association, former member of Rotary, the Iowa Pharmacists Association and the American Pharmacists Association. In his spare time, Gary enjoyed tennis, bridge, photography, reading and attending plays and concerts. He particularly enjoyed attending the events his grandchildren were in. He loved attending mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church and the related activities such as the softball games and special events. He also loved visiting and talking to people as well as attending auctions and collecting antiques.
Preceding Gary in death were his parents and all of his aunts and uncles on both sides. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Mem Laughlin of Shenandoah, IA; son, Scott Laughlin of Imogene, IA; grandson and granddaughter, John and Meighan Laughlin of Shenandoah, IA; Scott's wife, Jill and son, Tyler Laughlin of Imogene; step grandchildren, April, Alexa and Mark of Omaha, NE; son, Joe Laughlin of Lincoln, NE; brother, Pat Laughlin and wife Betty and their children, Kristine, Megan, Maureen and Kevin, all of Lancaster, PA; sister-in-laws, Joni Eckmann of Lexington, KY, Dorothy Gale of Round Rock, TX, and Virginia Minette of Fayettville, AR; brother-in-laws, Dr. Larry Minette of Greenville, SC, and David Minette of San Diego, CA; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Mass of Christian Burial services were held on Sunday, December 23, 2007, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah. Celebrant was the Rev. Vern Smith with assistance from Pastor Ronald Nelson. Eucharistic ministers were Isabella Hanzlick, Linda Laughlin and Dana Wenstrand. Altar server was Dennis Ryan. Lector was Dana Wenstrand. Organist was Kim Troxel and the vocalists were Sue Hanna and Tommy Hanna. Gift bearers were Linda Laughlin, Meighan Laughlin and John Laughlin. Caring for the flowers were Katherine Smidt, Betty Jane Shaw and Jan Ludwig. Ushers were Pat Emge, Doug McGinnis and Lou Saner. Honorary casket bearers were all of the George Jay Drug and Hallmark Shoppe employees and customers, Dr. Marvin Belknap, Ed Dwyer, Charlie Eickhoff, Mike Irvin, Howard Johnson, Thomas L. Keleher, Bud Laughlin, Ed Laughlin, Bill Ludwig, Ron Osborn, Jack Smith and Roland Tiemeyer. Casket bearers were Ernie Aust, David Eckmann, Larry George, Brian Norton, Kaye Norton, Pete Wenstrand and Chan Van Houten. Interment was in the Mount Calvary Cemetery at Imogene. Memorials are being directed to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Gary's name. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah was in charge of the arrangements.


Tributes

Karen Wolford wrote on Dec 23, 2007:

"Mem and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God Bless, Karen Wolford"

Steve & Bernie Huddle wrote on Dec 22, 2007:

"Dear Mem & family Experiencing the death of a husband and father is so personal that very few of us can understand the grief that is involved. Perhaps it will help to ease your sadness if you know that Gary will be greatly missed by all his friends and we all share in your sadness.I was very proud to have worked for him for the short time that I did. Just a great -great guy With our deepest sympathy Steve & Bernie Huddle"

Kristin Engel wrote on Dec 21, 2007:

"Mem, Scott, Joe and Family - Our family is deeply saddened by Gary's passing. We all have such fond memories of him and the kind and gentle man that he was. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Kristin (Norton) Engel"

Merideth (Knau) Maranville wrote on Dec 21, 2007:

"Working for Gary at Jay Drug was so much fun. He is a person who will truly be missed."

Sally Hopkins wrote on Dec 21, 2007:

"Dear Pat and Mem So sorry to hear about Gary especially during this time of year. Prayers and thoughts are with you during these trying time. Fondly, Sally Hopkins"

Doris Reed/Judy Ogden wrote on Dec 21, 2007:

"We are saddened to hear of Gary's passing. My mother thought so highly of Gary and thought he "knew everything". He was a great friend to her while she was living in Shenandoah and after she moved to Nevada to live with me. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Judy (Reed) Ogden Doris Reed"

Gary & Carrell Windecker wrote on Dec 20, 2007:

"To Gary's Family-- While we lived in Shenandoah for 31 years we always appreciated the friendly and courteous service we received from Gary whenever we were in Jay's. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Gary & Carrell Windecker and family. Folsom, California"

jerry spies wrote on Dec 20, 2007:

"gary was a good friend and will be missed very much. jerry and barbara spies "

Robin Anderson Lynn wrote on Dec 20, 2007:

"Mem and Boys, I am so sorry to hear about Gary. I will always remember I could tell he was in the Hospital, headed for the Pharmacy, I could smell his Juicy Fruit. You are All in my thoughts and prayers. Robin and Bob Lynn Crane, Casa, Chealsee and Clair "

Mike & Melinda Whisler wrote on Dec 20, 2007:

"Melinda and I are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Wes Meyerholtz wrote on Dec 20, 2007:

"Gary was a good friend for many years to the Meyerholtz family. He served us well as a pharmacist and a friendly face. Our condolences to the Laughlin family from the Meyerholtz family."

Jeff & Deb Norton Family wrote on Dec 20, 2007:

"Mem, Scott and Joe, Gary was gift to us all. His unique sense of humor brought joy to all who knew him. He was a selfless man who freely gave of himself to so many without any expectation. We offer this prayer... Lord, grant to our departed friend, Gary, the gift of life in paradise; Draw him to Yourself in the kingdom of love and peace - which never ends. Where sorrows turn to joy, and we are made whole again in Your eternal love. God knows your suffering and we pray He will comfort you and enfold you in His love. Jeff, Deb and Family"

Julie Robertson wrote on Dec 19, 2007:

"I am so sorry to hear about Gary. Mim, you and your family, is in our thoughts and prayers. Gary was definately a fighter but he is in a place now with no pain. Thinking of You. "

Doug Lonowski wrote on Dec 19, 2007:

"To the Laughlin family, I was deeply saddened when I learned about Gary's passing. My heart goes out to you. Though I have lived away from Shenandoah for many years, I remember Gary as a good neighbor, a caring person and family man, and an important part of the community. He has been respected and admired by the people of Shenandoah and Southwest Iowa for as long as I can remember. And now he will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Doug Lonowski "