Memorial
Gary E. Campbell of Cedar Rapids, passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday March 11, 2015 at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics due to complications after a fall. The funeral mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 16, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hiawatha, Iowa, with the Rev. Mark Ressler officiating. Burial will take place immediately after the mass at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in the Garden of Eternal Love, followed by a luncheon in Seton Hall.
A visitation is scheduled at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories on Sunday, March 15, beginning at 3:00 P.M. and concluding with a prayer service and time for special memories at 7:00 p.m.
Gary is survived by his wife Mary, his daughters Carrie (Jeff) Popenhagen of Robins, Iowa and Cheri (Nathan) Kampman of Victoria, Minnesota, and seven sensational grandchildren Dane, Ella, Kade, & Jace Popenhagen, and Gage, Malea, & Blane Kampman.
Gary is also survived by his brother Steve (Cindy) of Dunkerton, Iowa, and two sisters Kaye (Gary) Briesemeister of Fairfax, Iowa, and Janet Campbell of Oelwein, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Harold and Rosemary Day, brother-in-law Art Stuckenberg and nephew Saul Stuckenberg.
Gary was born June 4, 1944 in Oelwein, Iowa, the son of Edward and Corrine (Cutshall) Campbell. He married Mary Janice Day on July 11, 1970, at St. Dominic Savio Catholic Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Many will remember Gary from his years at Armstrong’s Department Store where he worked as a clothing buyer and in sales and management. For the past 20+ years Gary enjoyed his work as a sales rep for Iowa Retail Packaging, Des Moines, Iowa. Gary was an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church where he especially enjoyed serving as an usher and Eucharistic minister.
Gary loved God, his family, and life in general. He enjoyed golfing with his buddies, working in the yard, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Anyone who knew Gary well appreciated his friendly personality that made everyone feel welcome and important. He will also be remembered for his wit, patience, and genuine kindness.
Gary was an amazing husband, awesome father, and a grandfather filled with love and wisdom. Gary leaves us with sad but loving hearts filled with wonderful memories.
Memorial contributions can be made in Gary’s name to Catholic Charities or Special Olympics.