Gary Wayne Eide, the son of Wesley and Mavis (Hanson) Eide, was born on April 7, 1950 in Estherville, Iowa. He died on May 19, 2023 at the Accura Care Center in Spirit Lake at the age of 73 years.
He graduated from Estherville High School before enlisting in the United States Army. After being honorable discharged in 1972, Gary worked for John Morrell for 13 years. He also worked for Style Craft for 25 years, and 6 years at Fort Defiance with the DNR.
He was a member of the Estherville Lutheran Church, enjoyed hunting, fishing, birding, canoeing, hunting for Native American artifacts, and making walking sticks.
Family was an important part of his life. He enjoyed spending time with his six grandchildren. Gary’s favorite moments were spent teaching his grandchildren the joys of nature with fishing, hunting, canoe trips, Indian artifact hunting, and crafts.
He enjoyed many social activities over the years. He lettered multiple years in high school football. He continued to remain active in sports with friends in tennis, golf, city league co-ed volleyball, card club, and many matches of table tennis at his house.
He had a sense of humor that made everyone laugh and feel like a part of his large circle of friends. He was quick to make a joke, even at his own expense.
He was so proud of his ability to take on any task or challenge, learn new skills, and pass his knowledge to others. He spent time working on vehicles, home improvements, wood-working projects, and landscaping the yard.
Gary was most thankful for the love of his life and wife of 45 years, Virginia. The couple spent all of their days together sharing the love of God, nature, and the love they had for each other. They had many special moments artifact hunting, canoeing, and quiet times walking the beach.
Gary is survived by his wife, Virginia Eide; children, Yvette (Jamie) Clabaugh, Estherville, Robyn (fiancé Bill Zoldey) Hobmeier, Madison Lake, MN, Jenny Eide, Estherville; grandchildren, Ayla, Jordan, Morgan, Gage, Cam and Jacob; great-grandson, Joshua; sisters, Carolyn (Steve) Brill, Jennifer (Bill) Cother, and Gail Eide; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Mavis (Hanson) Eide, his son John Eide, and a sister Gloria Nath.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to For Defiance State Park in Estherville.
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