Gary Eugene Sheetz, 71, of Irvine, Calif., died Monday, Dec. 21, 2009 at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach, Calif. of a brain aneurysm.
Gary was born Sept. 11, 1938 in McGregor, Iowa to Donald and May (Yenser) Sheetz. After graduating from Austin High School, he enrolled in the Marine Corps. and was stationed in San Diego, Calif. for two years. On March 9, 1963 Gary married Carol (Downing). They had four children together: Mark, Scott, Susan and Shelley. They later divorced. Then on Sept. 9, 2006 he married Kay (Jacobson) of Irvine, Calif.
Gary spent most of his working years in the meat packing plant industry. He worked for Hormel in Austin and Beloit, Wis. Later he worked for Wilson Foods in Albert Lea and finally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Gary eventually retired from Quality Chef Foods in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2002.
In Gary’s early life he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and friends. He also enjoyed golfing and watching his children and grandchildren participate in their many activities. When he moved to California, he quickly adapted to the lifestyle of T-shirts and shorts. He loved to entertain his neighbors with his jokes and many stories. Gary and his wife Kay also enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends.
Gary is survived by his wife Kay of Irvine, Calif.; two sons, Mark Sheetz of Thornton, Colo. and Scott (Kim) Sheetz of Longmont, Colo.; two daughters, Susan (James) Hayes of Broomfield, Colo., and Shelley Sheetz of Denver, Colo.; one stepson, Scott (Monica) Grimsgaard of Fullerton, Calif.; grandchildren, Kennedy, Lilly, John and Samuel; step-grandchildren, Torre and Dante. He is also survived by his brother Roger and wife Jeannie of Lake of the Hills, Ill. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews and many friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister Donna Arnold.
There will be no services.
Remembrances may be made in the form of donations to the American Heart Association or Caring Bridge.