Gary Gene Van Sant

Gary Gene Van Sant, 62, of Middletown, died at 7:15 a.m. Sunday, December 26, 2010, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City. Born September 9, 1948 in Washington, he was the son of Arlis Isaac and Fannie Marie (Schantz) Van Sant. On September 21, 1968, he married Charlene Hageman at St. Paul Catholic Church in Burlington. Gary was a Master Scheduler for Case/New Holland. He served four years on the Middletown city council before becoming mayor, and was currently serving his second term. He was a member of SS Mary and Patrick Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and bowling. He was an avid Cubs and Bears fan, and loved spending time with his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Charlene Van Sant of Middletown; his mother, Fannie Van Sant of Mt. Pleasant; three children, Paul Van Sant of Phoenix, Arizona, Stephanie (Eric) Gerst of Middletown and Angie (Pete) Beard of Burlington; seven grandchildren, Samantha Van Sant, Molly Polson, Amanda Van Sant, Joshua Van Sant, Jordan Gerst, Riley Gerst and Isaac Beard; three sisters, Karen Feddersen of Wayland, Betty Hornaday of Mt. Pleasant, and Diana (David) Johnson of Brighton; and nieces and nephews...[more]

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He was preceded in death by his father. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Van Sant will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 30th, at SS Mary and Patrick Catholic Church. The Rev. David Steinle will be the celebrant. The Des Moines County Resurrection Choir will provide music. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Friends may call from noon until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 29th, in Lunning Chapel. A Christian Wake will be held at 5:00 p.m. with the family to receive friends following the Christian Wake until 8:00 p.m. A memorial has been established.