Gary T. Lovik, 54, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at his home following a brief illness. Visitation will be held from 12 noon until 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 25, 2015, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel, 709 E. Mapleleaf Drive, Mt. Pleasant, IA. The family will greet friends from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. that evening at the Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, January 26, 2015, at First United Methodist Church, 309 N. Main, Mt. Pleasant, IA, with Pastor Deborah Stowers officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Memorials have been established to Noah's Ark Animal Shelter in Fairfield, IA and Metro Youth Football Association in Cedar Rapids. Born October 17, 1960, in Cedar Rapids, IA, Gary Thomas was the son of Archie and Mavis Olson Lovik. He was a 1979 graduate of Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School. Gary continued his education at Morningside College where he played on the football team while earning a BA in finance. Later he obtained his MBA from the University of Wisconsin. On November 26, 1983, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Sue Nylin in Cedar Rapids. She survives. In 1983 Gary began his banking career at Farmers Savings Bank in Walford, IA. He continued with the bank until his move to Mt. Pleasant in 2010 to become Chief Financial Officer for Pilot Grove Savings Bank. Gary grew up in the Lutheran faith. While living in Mt. Pleasant, he was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he served on the finance committee. Gary was a one of a kind person. His outgoing personality brought laughter and smiles to everyone he met. He loved being with people but his family was a priority for him. Whether it was coaching his girls sports teams, scuba diving with sharks or riding his John Deere tractor he lived his life with gusto. Along with his wife, Sue, of 31 years, Gary is survived by two daughters, Kim (Curt) Tennison of Osceola, IA, and Kara Lovik of St. Louis, MO; his mother, Mavis Lovik of Cedar Rapids, IA; a brother, Mark (Brenda) Lovik of Chatham, IL; in-laws, Dawn and Paul Nylin of Cedar Rapids; seven nieces and nephews and his little buddy, Kodi. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Archie Lovik.
Tributes
Diane Lovick - February 23, 20.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Mavis and family. o was so sorry to see of Gary's funeral obituary in the Forest city Summit. my husband and Archie were cousins and lived across the road from each other growing up. They played a lot of baseball together. I don't have Mavis's new address or phone number. Would you please let her know how sorry I am for her and all of Gary's family. Love Diane"
Randy Hansen - February 16, 20.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Condolences to the family of Gary from the alumni brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity at Morningside College, Sioux City Iowa"
Beth and Jim Zielinski - Febru.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Dear Sue and Family: Jim and I were shocked to hear of Gary's death. It seems like we just saw you two!!! Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let us know if you need anything."
Linda Severson - January 31, 2.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Mavis and family, I am Gary's 2nd cousin from Forest City, Iowa, one of the "Erickson" girls. I have not seen Gary in years and remember him as the big football guy stealing whole pans of bars from his mom's freezer! Nevertheless, hearing of his passing made me fight tears..hard. We love you, Mavis, and we hate that you and your family have had to lose him! My prayers are with you, Gary's family, Mark, and for the strength you need to get through this together. Linda Erickson Severson"
Mary Burrack - January 31, 201.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Dear Sue and Family, I am sorry for your loss of Gary. May you find peace that he is in heaven. I Have been thinking and praying for you and your Family. God Bless! Mary Burrack"
Mary Burrack - January 31, 201.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Dear Sue and Family, I am sorry for you loss of Gary. May you find peace that he is in heaven. I Have been thinking a praying for you and your Family. God Bless! Mary Burrack"
Kathleen Van Steenhuyse - Janu.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Dear Sue, and family, Was SO saddened to hear about your loss of Gary! While I was unable to attend the services (my friend's Dad was being buried at the same time here in Vinton) you and your family were in my thoughts, and you remain in my prayers. I hope that by standing with you silently, we add to your strength at this difficult time. Concerned, Kathleen and Frank Van Steenhuyse"