Gary Pohren

GARY WAYNE POHREN

Hamilton, Ill.

1942 2017

Gary Wayne Pohren, 74, of Hamilton, Ill., passed away on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017, at Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha.

Gary was born Sept. 22, 1942, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Clifford and Mildred Pohren of Croton, Iowa. He graduated from Harmony High School with the Class of 1960.

On July 15, 1961, Gary was united in marriage to Norma Jean Church at Trinity Methodist Church in Warsaw, Ill.

During his formative years, Gary farmed on the family farm. He then was employed as an over-the-road truck driver during his adult life. He retired from Richers Trucking in Weaver, Iowa, in 2011.

Gary loved auto racing in his younger years and attending auto racing events later in life. One of Gary's proudest moments was the opportunity to race "Big Daddy" Don Garlits at the Keokuk drag strip. Gary also enjoyed hunting, fishing, major league baseball and learning about different wars that impacted our country.

Gary was a devoted husband to his wife, father to his children and grandfather to his grandsons. He enjoyed spending his free time accompanying his children and grandchildren to their personal, academic and athletic endeavors.

Gary and his late wife, Norma, were longtime members of Golden's Point Christian Church in Hamilton.

He is survived by two sons, Michael Pohren of Burlington, Iowa, and Jason Pohren of Hamilton; one daughter, Kimberly "Charlie" Taylor and husband, Brett, of Cedar Rapids; five grandsons, Colton Pohren of Keokuk, Clayton Pohren of Middletown, Iowa, Jadon and Wesley Taylor, both of Cedar Rapids, and Juris Pohren of Hamilton; one great-grandson, Jeansen Adams of Lewistown, Mo.; one brother, Stephen Pohren and wife, Paula, of Farmington, Iowa; one nephew, Chris Pohren and wife, Terra, of Farmington; one aunt, Jo Havel and husband, Terry, of Lone Tree, Iowa; and several great-nephews, a great-niece, several in-laws, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife; one son, Gary Wayne Pohren Jr., in infancy; one niece; his parents; and his grandparents.

Visitation will be after 2 p.m. Monday at Vigen Memorial Home, Keokuk, with the family meeting with friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Pastor Larry Menschel officiating. Burial will be in Greenglade Cemetery, Farmington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a future donation to a local youth sports club.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.