Gary J. Hotka

Gary J. Hotka

Iowa City

Gary J. Hotka, age 66, a lifelong farmer of Johnson County, died surrounded by his family Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 20, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Iowa City with burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 19, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, with a rosary at 7 p.m. Memorial donations can be made in Gary’s memory to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.

Gary John Hotka was born Aug. 29, 1955, in Iowa City, the son of Wesley F. and Mary Ann (Thuerauf) Hotka. He graduated from City High School, with the Class of 1973. He attended college in Sterling, Colo., and then received his associate degree from Kirkwood Community College. He married Cynthia R. L. Lloyd on Aug. 17, 1979, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Iowa City. Together, they raised their family on a farm southeast of Iowa City.

Gary had a farrow to finish hog operation and raised corn and soybeans. A jack of all trades, he was a veterinarian, mechanic, electrician, engineer and welder, sometimes all in the same day. He was humble and hard working all his life. Gary’s sense of humor could not be beat. He was never without a joke.

In Gary’s spare time he enjoyed horseback riding and boating. He was an avid swimmer and water skier. Another of his joys was sitting around a bon fire with family and friends. Once the grandkids came along, he could often be found making sure his old Cub Cadet Garden tractor was running so he could take them for rides around the farm. He loved having them help him with pig chores and was always quick to pull baby pigs from the farrowing house for them to pet and hold. Afterwards it was treats in the shop and taking turns on the pedal tractors.

Gary was strong in his Catholic faith, loved his family and had a passion for farming. He cherished his titles of husband, dad, baga (grandpa), brother and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.

His family includes his wife, Cynthia; their children, Morgan Hockenson (Andy), Melanie Hockenson (Reid) and Joe Hotka (Molly); six grandchildren, Madelyn, Blaise and Alina Hockenson; Jadeyn, Josey and Jones Hotka; and Gary’s siblings, Linda Singel (Patrick), Louise Hotka (Jill Meyer), Mike Hotka (Cathy) and Dennis Hotka (Marla).

Gary was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to graciously thank the nurses and staff at 2JCP U of I Hospital as well as the staff at Atrium Village for their thoughtful and attentive care of Gary in his last days.