The link to watch Gary's Celebration of Life:

https://youtu.be/HwEPgKPqlZ8?si=HrjSaMTb2arC_3TK

Gary Stanek, 71 of Pella, passed Thursday morning, July 9, 2026 at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. A Celebration of Life will begin at 10:00 am Friday, August 7, 2026, at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma. Burial will be held in the White Oak Cemetery near Gibson. A luncheon/visitation will follow the burial. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of Montezuma is in charge of arrangements.

Gary Alroy Stanek, the son of Frank Stanek and Dorthy McClune, was born on January 20, 1955, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Gary grew up in Barnes City and graduated from North Mahaska High School with the class of 1974. Gary worked for a few years at North Mahaska High School as the school boiler operator and custodian before beginning his 47-year career at Pella Windows, retiring in 2025.

Gary was united in marriage to LeeAnn Bair Urfer. During this time two children were born, Robert and Kristina. Gary was a very talented and detailed woodworker, at one time having a woodworking shop in Knoxville. Gary also enjoyed going to the Iowa State Fair, attending Tulip Time every year, going to auctions, buying his Iowa Lottery Ticket every Saturday at the Pella Hy-Vee, eagle watching at Lake Red Rock and riding motorcycles in his younger years.

His memory will be honored by his son, Robert Stanek of Lutz, Florida; his daughter, Kristina Stanek of Grinnell; his grandchildren, Justine Raney, R.J. Raney, Rhianna Raney and Jacob Raney; his siblings, Frank Stanek of Temple, Texas, Terry M. (Kathy) Stanek of Malcom, William "Don" Stanek of Des Moines, Tom McClune of Malcom, Mary Auen of Cary, North Carolina and Renee (Duwayne) Carmer of Ottumwa along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Judith Tabor.