Gary Alan Thomson

GARY ALAN THOMSON

Newhall

Gary Alan Thomson, 77, of Newhall, Iowa, died Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, at First Presbyterian Church, 110 Second St. East, Newhall, Iowa.

Gary was born April 24, 1940, in Stanwood, Iowa, the son of Richard and Anne (Williams) Thomson. He graduated from Tipton High School, Coe College with a degree in teaching, and from Penn State University with a master's degree in education.

Gary was united in marriage to Joanne (Seitz) Thomson on Nov. 1, 1959. Gary was an educator in the Stanwood and Clarence school districts, and also was engaged in farming. He enjoyed working with youth in agriculture. Gary volunteered his time by helping develop youth in the livestock organizations, getting them involved in 4-H and FFA. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and an elder.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joanne. To this union were born three daughters, all of whom survive: Tammy (Terry) Campbell of Green City, Mo., Kandy (Al) Schminke of Van Horne, Iowa, and TJ (Matt) Becker of Watkins, Iowa.

Gary also is survived by seven grandchildren, Jake (Sara) Campbell, Tyler (Kalie) McVay, Alex Becker, Cody (Taylor) Schminke, Amanda (Mike) Coulter, Kylee (Jared) Kray and Chelsea (Paul) Grieder; and eight great-grandchildren; his brother, Lee Thomson of Cedar Falls, Iowa; sister, Shirley Ehlers (Paul) of Tipton, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Roland; sister-in-law, Shirley; brother-in-law, Robert; niece, Wendy; and in-laws, Gene and Margaret Seitz.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.