Memorial
Gary Dwayne Snell, 68, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa died Friday, July 17, 2015 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha.
A celebration of life will be held 1:00 p.m. Sunday, July 26, 2015 at the Cedar Hills Community Church, located at 6455 E Avenue NW in Cedar Rapids. A private inurnment will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.
Gary was born September 3, 1946 in Greenfield, Iowa to Zara Elmer and Hazel (Kephart) Snell. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he served honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War Era from October 16, 1967 to September 13, 1974. Gary then served in the reserves from July 12, 1975 to July 11, 1989. He was united in marriage to Jackie Heppner on June 7, 1986. She passed away in 2010. He was later married to Carole Sue Maher on May 7, 2011 at Pinicon Ridge Park in Central City, Iowa.
Gary worked as a building inspector for the Linn County Building Department and retired after 36 years of service. Gary was a member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors. He enjoyed reading Westerns and Science Fiction books, blacksmithing, going to movies and traveling with his wife and step grandson Jaxson. He always had a smile on his face and enjoyed helping others.
He is survived by his wife Carole of Cedar Rapids; two step-sons: Vincent John Maher of Illinois and Jim Maher and his son Jaxson of Cedar Rapids; five siblings: Shirley (Basil) Stafford of Clive; Mardelle Bohling and Steve (Pat) Snell, both of Greenfield; Karen Jerome of Des Moines; and Linda (Michael) Friedel of Windsor Heights; step children; Arlin Heppner, Joe (Margi) Heppner, Randy (Denise) Heppner, Sue (Gary) Schropp, Sally (Kerry) Bruckner, 7 step-grandchildren and 8 step-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Don Bohling and nephew, Michael Bohling
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.