My heart broke when I read that Gary had passed. He was a kind, humble, soft-spoken man with a heart of gold. I was blessed to get the opportunity to work with Gary as a vendor when he was an Art Director at CMF&Z and I will always remember him to be extremely pleasant to work with. I am fortunate to enjoy one of his paintings in my home every day. Rest in Peace Gary.
Jill Hidinger
November 3, 2014
Gary was a super-nice guy and an inspiration to me, as an art director and graphic designer.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Denis Hagen
Denis Hagen
November 1, 2014
It was a shock to hear of Gary's passing just as it was to hear of Alice's not that long ago. We were fortunate to be next door neighbors on Red Fox for many years. Gary and Alice were the kindest people. We watched Chris grow up. Gary and Alice were perfect together and now they are together again. We are so sorry for your loss, Chris. May your happy memories console you.
Larry and Marsha Erb
November 1, 2014
It was a shock to hear of Gary's passing just as it was to hear of Alice's not that long ago. We were fortunate to be next door neighbors on Red Fox for many years. Gary and Alice were the kindest people. We watched Chris grow up. Gary and Alice were perfect together and now they are together again. We are so sorry for your loss, Chris. May your happy memories console you.
Larry and Marsha Erb
October 31, 2014
It was a shock to hear of Gary's passing just as it was to hear of Alice's not that long ago. We were fortunate to be next door neighbors on Red Fox for many years. Gary and Alice were the kindest people. We watched Chris grow up. Gary and Alice were perfect together and now they are together again. We are so sorry for your loss, Chris. May your happy memories console you.
Larry and Marsha Erb
October 31, 2014
It was a shock to hear of Gary's passing just as it was to hear of Alice's not that long ago. We were fortunate to be next door neighbors on Red Fox for many years. Gary and Alice were the kindest people. We watched Chris grow up. Gary and Alice were perfect together and now they are together again. We are so sorry for your loss, Chris. May your happy memories console you.
Larry and Marsha Erb
October 31, 2014
With deepest sympathy to the family of Gary Anderson. He life and talent will live on with the beautiful works of art that he shared with us all. The Legacy mural in Belle Plaine is a perfect example. His exhibit on famous Midwest people was a big hit at the museum. He will be greatly missed.
The Belle Plaine Historical Society
Mitch Malcolm
October 31, 2014
To Chris and family
As so many have noted, Gary was such a gracious and good man, eager to help and make a difference. He left a great legacy in his art to his community, Cedar Rapids. He will be missed along with Alice. Together they were such a positive influence on so many and we are grateful to have known them. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and may your many wonderful memories sustain you in the future. Linda and Dave Langston
Linda and Dave Langston
October 30, 2014
I was my great honor and pleasure to work with Gary at CMF&Z for eight years before I moved on to other opportunities. But I remained connected to Gary and Alice through First Lutheran Church and enjoyed seeing them regularly. Gary was always so kind and generous with his time. I never heard him utter a critical or unkind word of others. As the daughter of an artist myself, I grew up with a great appreciation of those who were, unlike me, artistically talented. Gary's exceptional talent continued to impress me throughout the 30+ years I knew him. Yet he remained always humble. He will be truly missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. Rest in peace and joy, Gary.
Lisa Bey
October 30, 2014
Chris and family,our heartfelt sympathy to all you. Our fondest memories will always be in our heart of Gary as he was always a gentle man, always sincere, and concience of everyones feelings. Gary will be missed by so many, we will always remember him as part of our sailing family. And we will cherish the cards he designed at Christmas time ,and the T-shirts he designed for our regattas each year at Lake Rathbun . He is now in a beautiful , peaceful place along side his Angel again. Hugs and prayers for all of you at this celebration of Gary's life. God Bless you all.
Don and Suzanne Hamiel
Don and Suzanne Hamiel
October 30, 2014
I am truly saddened by the news of Gary's passing, and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family.
Gary was one of the nicest and most talented people I have ever met. It was truly a privilege to work with him back in the day at CMF&Z, and I think of him every time I drive by the Tree of Five Seasons.
The blessing among the pain is that he is no longer suffering and, even better, he is back in the arms of his beloved Alice.
Lynn Ciha
October 30, 2014
I extend condolences to Gary's family. I had the good fortune to work with Gary on a number of projects--annual reports, etc.,--for a number of years. He was, quiety, a most creative graphic artist that always delivered outstanding work, always on time. He was a true professional and a true gentleman. Pat McPartland.
Pat McPartland
October 30, 2014
This will be simple and heartfelt...
I had the pleasure of working with Gary for years as a model for some of his ag accounts at CMF & Z. I always found Gary genuine, sincere, enthusiastic and honest to a fault. Traits seldom found nowadays in this fast paced world in which we live. I appreciate the times we spent together and he's a unique individual I'll never forget...
Jan Collins
October 29, 2014
Chris and family: our heartfelt condolances - we had not realized that Gary was so ill.
We have many fond memories from Erskine Elementary and Boy Scout days - participating in some wonderful memory filled event - like the Troop's Boundary Waters experience, Scout camp outs - (even in the snow!)and the many family events at the school and in the neighborhood.
Gary and Alice both left a wonderful legacy of service and dedication to their communities that will be long remembered.
Forrest and Bunnie Tomes
October 29, 2014
Chris and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary & Alice were wonderful lake friends and Rathbun Yacht Club members. They will live on in our memories forever as we share some of the photos with you. We are also proud and honored to own a print of "Sailing on Lake Rathbun" by Gary Anderson. Peace be with you.
Jim & Paulette Day
Jim & Paulette Day
October 29, 2014
On behalf of the Cedar Rapids Kernels Board of Directors and staff, our thoughts and prayers are with Gary's family and friends during this trying time. Gary was a great contributor to the community though his artistic talent and giving nature. Many may not know that Gary designed the original logo for the Cedar Rapids Ball Club when we changed our name to the Kernels in 1993 . Through the Tree of Five Seasons, the Kernels logo and his many works of art throughout Cedar Rapids, Gary left a legacy for all to enjoy for years to come.
Gary Keoppel
October 29, 2014
I was shocked to hear of Gary's passing. I had no idea he was so ill.
Gary was my cousin and friend but he was incredibly important to me in a very special way. When I saw some work that he was doing at Drake and expressed interest (I was probably 15 or so, and Gary, 20?) he said to me, You should do this, too! And he told me to go to Drake and pursue commercial art. He reassured me that even though I had had no art training in high school I could do it! Now when I look back I realize I should have been terrified but Gary's firm confidence in me led me through. I owe him 100% of my successful career as a commercial artist. Without him it would not have happened.
I will miss his gentle manner, fun sense of humor and wonderful intelligence. Truly, a special person.
Bless you Chris and best of luck. Denny
Dennis Stevens
October 29, 2014
Remembering Gary with great thoughts... Never "made it" art-wise like he did but he was always kind & helpful what ever project was ahead! Ad Club ideas & execution were always interesting! I am thankful to have known Gary. I will always admire his talents & kindness! What a great man! I am sad that he is not "drawing on earth" but his drawing will be prominent in Heaven! Blessings to the Anderson family! Most Sincerely. ... Judy "Jude" Weber
Judy Weber
October 29, 2014
Early on in Cedar Rapid Days we got to know Alice and Gary. What a delightful couple and Gary an amazing artist. We smile every time we see some of his great art work in Cedar Rapids and think we know this great man..this great artist. Just cannot help but picture Alice welcoming Gary to this AMAZING afterlife .
We know Chris you will miss them so much . We pray you can feel their presence in everything you do as well as all their love coming your way. I believe they will help from the other side in ways you cannot even imagine..and we send hugs and love to you and your husband for your great loss!! We are grateful we could call them friends! Gene and Sally Kopecky
Gene and Sally Kopecky
October 29, 2014
I knew Gary though my Dad, and will remember him as a talented pro with a kind, understated sense of humor. Our family's prayers are with you, Chris.
Michael Buckley
October 29, 2014
I knew Gary through my older brother Dale, while they were both in high school and played in the Trumpet Trio with Robert Lillgergen (sp?).
Gary was one of the kindest persons that I have known.
Dennis Bosch
October 28, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Chris. You lost a caring, loving father and we all lost a good friend.
Dale Bosch
October 28, 2014