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Gerald "Gary" Lee Kothenbeutel

1941 - 2014

Gerald "Gary" Kothenbeutel, 72, formerly of Clear Lake, Swaledale and Forest City, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2014 at the Nora Springs Care Center, with family at his side. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 7:00 pm Friday, February 20th at Retz Funeral Home, 203 Maple Street, Sheffield, Iowa, with Rev. G Kim Wills presiding. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Friends are invited to a time of sharing with the family.

Gerald Lee Kothenbeutel was born October 5, 1941 to Harold Fredrick and Betty Jean (Marth) Kothenbeutel in Garner, Iowa. Gary was baptized and confirmed at the United Church of Christ in Klemme. He was active in track and field and the Boy Scouts. Gary graduated from Klemme High School in 1959. After graduation Gary attended Iowa State University to study Masonry.

Gary worked for several construction companies and was respected and well known for his skill in bricklaying. His work took him to many different places in the country. He also worked several years at Tonka Coolers in Mason City.

Gary loved animals of all sorts and had many different pets throughout his life. He took pride in his training of horses and had many memorable stories of all his animals.

One of Gary's greatest joys was seeing his grandchildren and spending time with them whenever he could.

Left with memories of Gary are his children, Debra Bannister, Clear Lake; Polly Kothenbeutel, Sheffield; Kyle (Jessica) Kothenbeutel, Swaledale; grandchildren, Ryen (Danny) Preteroti, Miranda and Paige Bannister, Amber and Kory Kothenbeutel, Devon and Taylor Kothenbeutel; great granddaughter Brianna Jo Preteroti; brothers and sisters; Daryl Kothenbeutel, Clear Lake; Merlene Sullivan, Sheffield; Beverly (Don) Girardot, Fort Wayne, IN; Leland (Robin) Kothenbeutel, Bettendorf; Bruce (Pat) Kothenbeutel, New Ringgold, PA; nieces and nephews.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Betty Kothenbeutel and a nephew Scott Sullivan. Gary was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and was a good man.

We were blessed to have had the time with him.

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