Obituary of Gary W Haynes

Gary W. Haynes, born on August 23, 1933, in rural Tama County, Iowa, to Carver and Ventura "Turie" (Ambler) Haynes, lived a life marked by dedication to his community and unwavering devotion to his family. Graduating from Garwin, Iowa high school in 1951, Gary embarked on a journey of service and commitment.

On December 16, 1951, Gary married, Marilyn M. Reierson, (d. 3-6-2005) at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. In 1957, they  moved their young family to Newton beginning a professional career spanning 44 1/2 years as an insurance agent for American Family, retiring in January 1999. Gary's contributions extended beyond his workplace; he was an active member and served in leadership roles at First Presbyterian Church in Newton and the Newton Elks Lodge. He served on the boards of the Newton YMCA and Hospice of Jasper County and was a proud graduate of the Newton Police Academy. For 26 years, he delighted the community as the beloved courthouse Santa Claus. He and Marilyn enjoyed many travel opportunities due to his success and leadership with American Family Insurance and the Elks Club. Gary's last 12 years were further enriched when loving partner Bonnie Rasmussen came into his life. They shared many common interests and enjoyed several winters with snowbird friends in Mesa, AZ.

Outside of his professional and civic duties, Gary delighted in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and found joy in golf, handball, bocce ball, and any kind of card game, embracing life with enthusiasm and vigor. On May 22, 2024, Gary passed away peacefully at his home in Newton, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carver Haynes and Ventura Haynes, his wife Marilyn, sisters, Davida Pierce and Sandra Funk, and brothers: Lloyd, Duane, Monte, and Jay Haynes.

Gary's legacy lives on through those who cherished him deeply. He is survived by his longtime partner, Bonnie Rasmussen; his son, Wayne Haynes (Judy Ashmore); his daughters, Bonnie Jo (Mark) Farland and Dana Rae (Frank) Hashman; his grandchildren, Sarah (Ryan) Fagan, Matt (Andrea) Haynes, Anna (Anthony) Hilpipre, Abby (Steve) Staniger, Michele Haynes, Meredith (Kyle) Seuferer, and Lyndee (Darren) Ohmstede; his great-grandchildren, Isaac, Adam, Ellie, and Anna Fagan, J.D., Taylor, and Maya Staniger, Derek, Tate, and Olivia Seuferer, Lucia and Lilian Haynes, Lara (Alen Toric) and Wright Hilpipre, and Piper Karr; his brother Fred (Judie) Haynes, and sister-in-law Helen Haynes, and many nieces and nephews.