Gary Lee Hart, 85, of Clinton, Iowa passed away peacefully at the Alverno on Sunday, January 22, 2023. A Funeral Mass will take place at 11 am on Saturday, January 28, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. A visitation will occur 2 hours prior, from 9 am to 11 am at the church. A burial immediately follows the Funeral Mass at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Lemke Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.
Gary was born November 23, 1937, in Burlington, Iowa, the son of Richard and Beatrice (Herr) Hart. He was a 1955 graduate of Clinton High School.
Gary was united in marriage to Karen Hlubek on November 30, 1957 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – together for 65 years.
Gary was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and then Prince of Peace Catholic Church.
Gary farmed while running a snow business and trucking company. Later he owned and operated “K Enterprises” - a salvage business just outside Clinton.
Gary loved camping, animals (especially dogs), a good bargain, collecting toys, grocery shopping, cooking, family get-togethers, and bragging to others about his family. He also enjoyed watching Nascar and Tractor Pulls. Gary pulled for many years and won the 1971 National Tractor Pull at Louisville, Kentucky.
Gary is survived by his wife Karen of Clinton; his children – Kathy (Bruce) Tracy of Maquoketa, John Hart of Clinton, Dennis (Sandy) Hart of Camanche and Kristie (Terry) Moehr of Goose Lake, IA; with 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; one sister in-law – Joyce Hart of Clinton with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family members and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law - Shirley and Stan Petersen, and brother – Duane Hart.
Memorials made can be directed to the Prince of Peace Church, and the American Diabetes Association.