ORCHARD — Gary Dean Hyland, 82, of rural Orchard, an Army veteran, longtime auto body professional and classic car enthusiast who shared his skills with younger generations, died Thursday, August 6, 2026, at his home surrounded by loved ones.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 15, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 702 State Street in Osage. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., immediately before the service at the church.
Gary’s final resting place will be Orchard Cemetery, where inurnment will follow the memorial service.
Gary was born December 16, 1943, in Osage, the son of Stanley and Elsie (Schallock) Hyland. He attended school in Orchard before graduating from Osage High School in 1962.
He continued his education at Mason City Junior College before entering the United States Army.
Gary completed basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, and received specialized medical training in neuropsychiatric care at Fort Sam Houston in Texas and William Beaumont Hospital in El Paso. His military service later took him to Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he was stationed for two years.
On August 26, 1967, Gary married Joanne Ehlke at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage. The couple spent the first two years of their marriage in Georgia before returning home to Iowa.
Gary built his working career around auto body repair, a trade that suited both his skills and his interest in automobiles. He remained in the business until retiring in 2011.
His knowledge was also something he was willing to pass along. During his career, Gary mentored Osage High School students through an auto body work-study program, giving young people an opportunity to learn the trade firsthand.
Classic cars held a special appeal for Gary, and restoring them became one of his favorite pursuits.
He also enjoyed collecting antique glassware, refinishing furniture and attending auctions, interests that reflected his appreciation for craftsmanship and items with history behind them.
Most important was the family life Gary and Joanne built across nearly 59 years of marriage.
Those carrying on Gary’s memory include his wife, Joanne Hyland; son Jason (Tricia) Hyland and grandson Cole of Appling, Georgia; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bob and Carolyn Reiland of Rochester, Minnesota; and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Elsie Hyland; brother Gerald; parents-in-law August and Viola Ehlke; and brother-in-law Phil Tommeraas.
Hoff Celebration of Life Center is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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