Gary James Van Dyke

Gary James Van Dyke

Ollie

Gary James Van Dyke, 71, of Ollie, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Keokuk County Medical Center in Sigourney, IA.

Gary Van Dyke was born on March 28, 1953 to Gayle and Lvonne Zickefoose in Mt. Pleasant, IA. Gary was later adopted by Levi and Leora (Cox) Van Dyke. Growing up in Richland, he attended grade school and junior high there and later attended school in Pekin, where he graduated from Pekin High School with the Class of 1971. While in high school, Gary was introduced to his friend’s sister, Cindy Blake, and the two hit it off. Cindy and Gary were married at Cindy’s parents’ home on November 22, 1974.

Gary furthered his education through William Penn University and later Iowa State University. After his education, Gary worked a variety of jobs, including a multitude of construction jobs, before settling into his career as an aggregate inspector. He continued with this career until he retired from Douds Stone in 2023. Gary was a member of Grace Family Church in Ollie.

Gary was meticulous about his work, cutting no corners to do things the “easy way.” He kept a perfect lawn and was a gifted carpenter, helping with various projects, including any remodel or any build his family asked him to help with, even having plans to do concrete work the day he passed. Gary loved being a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, where he built model airplanes, some with as large wingspan as eight feet. He also enjoyed flying radio-controlled airplanes. Another hobby of Gary’s was building “hit and miss engines,” something he truly enjoyed doing with his friend, John Rukgaber. He could fix almost anything, including making “alterations” to already-made products, making them operate smoothly. His true passion was being with family and helping them with any project, especially his wife Cindy, who he enjoyed spending time with working in their flower beds.

Gary’s family includes his wife, Cindy Van Dyke, of Ollie; his two sisters, Annette (Michael Cote) Howe of Augusta, GA, and Cheryl Cooper of Elsworth, WI; and his biological mother, Lvonne Fasset of Elsworth, WI, and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Leora Van Dyke, a brother Nathan Allen Van Dyke, and his biological father, Gayle Zickefoose.

As was his wish, Gary’s body has been cremated, and a private family interment will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to Cindy Van Dyke and mailed to 29361 275th Ave., Ollie, IA, 52576, and will be designated for a later project. Langkamp Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa has been entrusted with the arrangements.