05/03/2012
Gary Edward Hollingshead grew up in Knoxville as a farm boy and then went on to Des Moines Community College to study tool and die. He started out his career building parts for Massey Ferguson tractors.
He and his friend decided that they wanted to move to “God’s
country” in Colorado and start up their own plastics injection molding business in 1974. From there, he stayed in the same profession but worked for various companies and had the opportunity to live in Texas, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, and South Carolina.
Gary married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Suzanne, and in June of next year, they would have been married 50 years. He was a model family man and loved his daughters and grandchildren immensely.
He loved to hunt with his high school buddies and his best friend, Sugar, his hunting dog.
He spent numerous hours working in his yard and creating beauty. Gary always chose the scenic route in his travels which allowed him to see and meet so many special people.
Gary touched so many lives along his journey and has friends all over the country. He truly depicted a “servant’s heart” in helping others.
Gary lost his battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on Thursday, May 3rd with his family members by his side.
Due to extensive medical expenses, memorials can be made to the family. Gary taught us all how to fight the most courageous battle. He was loved by all.
Knoxville New Covenant Church
1510 W Madison Street
Knoxville, Iowa 50138
Cemetery Graceland Cemetery
A celebration of life was held for Gary Edward Hollingshead of Greenville, South Carolina, on May 12, 2012, at the New Covenant Church.
Casket bearers included: John Donnelly, C. D. Johnson, Ron Chesler, Stuart Oxer, John Stittsworth, Jay Gardner, Kevin Schuldt, and Bob Capallo. Burial followed in the Graceland Cemetery.
Gary Edward Hollingshead was born December 10, 1944, in Knoxville, Iowa the son of Merwin and Amy Jeanne (Harsin) Hollingshead.
Gary grew up in Knoxville as a farm boy and graduated from Knoxville High School with the Class of 1963. Gary married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Suzanne on June 16, 1963. He then went on to Des Moines Community College to study tool and die.
He started out his career building parts for Massey Ferguson tractors. He and his friend decided that they wanted to move to “God’s country” in Colorado and start up their own plastics injection molding business in 1974. From there, he stayed in the same profession but worked for various companies and had the opportunity to live in Texas, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, and South Carolina.
He loved to hunt with his high school buddies and his best friend, Sugar, his hunting dog. He spent numerous hours working in his yard and creating beauty. Gary always chose the scenic route in his travels which allowed him to see and meet so many special people.
Gary touched so many lives along his journey and has friends all over the country. He truly depicted a “servant’s heart” in helping others. He was a model family man and loved his daughters and grandchildren immensely.
Gary died May 3, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Suzanne; children, Melisa Hollingshead of Mead, CO, Kristen (JB) Bruening of Sumter, SC; grandchildren, Tanner O’Leary of Aurora, CO, Chandler and Noah Bruening of Sumter, SC; sister, Kathy (Tom) Donnelly of Iowa City; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Neifert of Knoxville; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, John and Sharon Stittsworth of Knoxville; nephews, Mike Donnelly of Chicago, IL, Kevin Stittsworth of Knoxville; nieces, Kelly Urbine of Phoenix, AZ and Betsy Haht of Cedar Falls.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online condolences may be left at BertrandFuneralHomes.co