Memorial
Gary Dean Speicher 76, of Cedar Rapids passed away at home peacefully on Thursday, November 2, 2023. He had CLL, chronic lymphatic leukemia cancer for 12 years, and more recently squamous cell carcinoma.
The visitation will be 3-8 pm Friday, November 10, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. A visitation will be an hour before the service begins at 11 am Saturday, November 11, 2023, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery – Garden of Serenity at 2 pm. The service may be viewed at Youtube live stream.
Born on October 13, 1947, in Marshalltown, Iowa to Rodney and Pearl (Gunderson) Speicher. He graduated from Gladbrook High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communication in 1969 from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Gary became a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) in 1978 and a Chartered Financial Consultant (Ch FC) in 1984. He was a member of The Society of Financial Service Professionals and the East Central Iowa Chapter of the National Committee on Planned Giving. Gary was a long-time member and past president of the Cedar Rapids Estate Planning Council. He then became a member of the Eastern Iowa Financial Planning Association. Gary was a thirty-three-year qualifying Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table.
In 2008, Gary merged his firm, Financial Planning Services with Premier Investments of Iowa Inc. His goal was to provide ongoing financial services to his clients and their families. He retired in 2016 and continued to teach retirement courses at local hospitals and other non-profit organizations. This left him more time to pursue his true love of fishing. He was as a co-angler for many years on multiple tour events and was also a pro-fisherman for several years.
Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Susan. Children: Christopher (Kara) Speicher of Hampshire, Illinois, Amy (John) Berry of Williamsburg, Iowa, Matthew Speicher of New Castle, Colorado, Sarah (Daniel) Chapman of Marion, Iowa, granddaughters, Sennah and Andrina. His brother, Duane (Karen) Speicher of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, sister Marcella Small of Gilbert, Iowa, brother Tim Speicher of Garwin, Iowa, including many extended family members.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, brother Rodney Speicher and grandparents.
His sons’ love of the sport of fishing encouraged him to want to learn more. Over time he finally purchased his first boat and from there he was "hooked". His journey took him to many destinations throughout the Midwest. Gary has been chronicling his fishing adventures on his blog walleywisdom.com for the past 13 years.
Gary served in the Army National Guard from 1970-1976. In August 2023 he received the Quilt of Valor, recognizing his years of service.
Gary was a long-time member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church where he cherished his many long-time friendships. He was an active member of Compass Sunday school class. Gary was also a member of the Sons of Norway and took pride in his Norwegian heritage.
Memorial donations may be directed to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, NPAA (National Professional Anglers Association) Mercy Healthcare Foundation & St Luke’s Healthcare Foundation, and The Iowa State Journalism School.
‘Gary was a lot of things to a lot of people besides being a fisherman of great talents; Gary was a loving husband, Father, Friend, a Mentor, a Role-Model, a devoted follower of Christ, a Patriot and a truly self-less individual who dedicated his tireless work to helping others.’ Mike G.