Gary W. Haynes

Gary W. Haynes, born on August 23, 1933, in rural Tama County, Iowa, to Carver and Ventura “Turie” (Ambler) Haynes, lived a life marked by dedication to his community and unwavering devotion to his family. Graduating from Garwin, Iowa high school in 1951, Gary embarked on a journey of service and commitment.

On December 16, 1951, Gary married Marilyn M. Reierson, (d. 3-6-2005) at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. In 1957, they moved their young family to Newton, beginning a professional career spanning 44 1/2 years as an insurance agent for American Family, retiring in January 1999. Gary’s contributions extended beyond his workplace; he was an active member and served in leadership roles at First Presbyterian Church in Newton and the Newton Elks Lodge. He served on the boards of the Newton YMCA and Hospice of Jasper County and was a proud graduate of the Newton Police Academy. For 26 years, he delighted the community as the beloved courthouse Santa Claus. He and Marilyn enjoyed many travel opportunities due to his success and leadership with American Family Insurance and the Elks Club. Gary’s last 12 years were further enriched when loving partner Bonnie Rasmussen came into his life. They shared many common interests and enjoyed several winters with snowbird friends in Mesa, AZ.

Outside of his professional and civic duties, Gary delighted in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and found joy in golf, handball, bocce ball, and any kind of card game, embracing life with enthusiasm and vigor. On May 22, 2024, Gary passed away peacefully at his home in Newton, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carver Haynes and Ventura Haynes, his wife Marilyn, sisters, Davida Pierce and Sandra Funk, and brothers Lloyd, Duane, Monte, and Jay Haynes.

Gary’s legacy lives on through those who cherished him deeply. He is survived by his longtime partner, Bonnie Rasmussen; his son, Wayne Haynes (Judy Ashmore); his daughters, Bonnie Jo (Mark) Farland and Dana Rae (Frank) Hashman; his seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren, a brother Fred (Judie) Haynes, and sister-in-law Helen Haynes, and many nieces and nephews. Gary’s impact on his community and family will be remembered fondly, his spirit forever cherished in the hearts of those he touched.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am, Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton.  A Facebook Live broadcast will begin at 11:30 am on the Pence Reese Funeral home and Cremation Services Facebook page. The family will greet friends from 10:30 am until service time on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated in Gary’s name to the Newton First Presbyterian Church, Willowbrook or Elks National Foundation and may be left at the church or at Pence Reese Funeral Home.