Obituaries : Gary W. Haars

Gary W. Haars, 77, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics following complications of a stroke. Services: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home, Vinton. Burial: Center Point Cemetery with full military rites. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, March 24, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home.

Gary was born July 28, 1945 in Urbana, the son of Carl and Ethel (Plank) Haars. He attended school in Urbana. Gary proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. On May 18, 1968, Gary was united in marriage to FrancyMollenhauer in Center Point. To this union, three children were born: Michele, Wayne and Donald. Francy passed away on May 7, 1982. On August 12, 1994, Gary was united in marriage to Donna Vanderpool at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.

Gary owned his own business, Haars Feed and Grain, in Urbana for many years. He also was a self-employed semi driver until his retirement in 2018. Gary loved spending time fishing, watching sports, gravel road travel and being with his Casey "buddies", grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gary is survived by his wife, Donna of Urbana; four children: Michele (Kevin) Dammeier of DeWitt, Wayne (Kayla) Haars of Frederika, Lonnie (Shawn) Vanderpool of Urbana and Donald (Gina) Haars of Ham Lake, MN; fourteen grandchildren: Kaylee, Kameron, Kaden, Makenzi, Wesley, Rebecca, Javontae, Kalston, Dexlin, Kayla, Ashley, Ethan, Alle and Gary; three great-grandchildren: Zayn, Luna and Kohen; sister, Wanda Phillis of Denver, IA; brothers: Arvil (Connie) Haars of Urbana and Larry (Cindy) Haars of Vinton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, FrancyHaars; sister, Shirlene Ternus; niece, Marlene Gross; nephews: Mark Ternus and Tony Phillis; and brother-in-law, Frankie Phillis.

A memorial fund has been established.

Condolences may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.