Obituaries : Gary Thomas Quinlan

Gary Thomas Quinlan, 83, formerly of Belle Plaine, IA passed away December 13, 2021 at home in Ely, IA.

Gary was born October 3, 1938 in East Dubuque, IL, to Dorrance and Jean (Bishop) Quinlan. He graduated Xavier High School, Dyersville in 1956. He worked in the grocery business until being drafted to the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Following his service, Gary married Barbara Ann Berkley on April 24, 1965 at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Dyersville. Together the couple moved to Dubuque where they began their family. They moved around Eastern Iowa until settling in Belle Plaine in 1973. Gary worked for Janss Locker until going to work as a custodian and bus driver for Belle Plaine High School. Retiring in 2003, he continued to drive school bus until 2018 at the age of 80.

Gary enjoyed all sports and was a huge Cubs baseball fan. He liked being outdoors, doing yard work and was a MacGyver when it came to fixing things. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, hearing about all their activities and watching them whenever he could.

He is survived by his children, Lynn (Pat) O'Neill of Solon, Lori Wauters of Belle Plaine, Gary J. (Tammi) Quinlan of Montezuma, Karen (Brian) Urban of Cedar Rapids, Brian (Cindy) Quinlan of Wake Forest, NC; grandchildren, Melissa, Jordyn, Jazzmyn, Riley, Jason, Quintin, Josh, Cole, and Abbie.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara (2020); son-in-law, Kenny Wauters; brother, Harry Quinlan; brother-in-law, Bill Berkley and Ed Coleman.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com