MASON CITY — Gary Paul Kirschbaum, 88, of Mason City, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, September 14, 2026, in Rockwell, leaving loved ones with memories of Sunday races, camping adventures and a man who could find a conversation almost anywhere.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2026, at Faith United Church of Rockwell, with Pastor Jake Ditsworth officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Inurnment will be held at Rockwell Cemetery at a later date.
Born February 7, 1938, to Otto and Rosa (Jilek) Kirschbaum, Gary attended Holy Family Elementary School and spent two years at Central Heights High School before earning his GED. Eager to get to work, he began a working life that would include 30 years driving semi-trucks before his retirement in 2000.
On May 25, 1957, Gary married Carrie Dale Young, his best friend and partner through the years. They raised four children, sharing the responsibilities of work and family while making room for travel, laughter and adventures together.
Racing was one of the great joys of Gary’s life. He began building stock cars while still in high school, searching junkyards for the parts he needed to get his cars ready for the track. On Sundays, he could be found competing in cars numbered 77 and 21.
His enthusiasm spread to the whole family. Weekends at the races became time together, with the sights and sounds of the track forming part of their shared family memories.
Gary also enjoyed taking his family camping in a bus they had converted into a camper. He liked snowmobiling, too, and his competitive spirit followed him onto the snow: riding was fun, but racing made it even better.
At home, Gary found pleasure in old western books and western television shows. He appreciated those quieter pastimes, but he was equally comfortable striking up a conversation with someone nearby. His family remembers a friendly, approachable man who worked hard, enjoyed himself and always seemed to have something to talk about.
Gary’s family grew across five generations. He is survived by his four children, Dawn (Don) Hansen, Tami (Denny) Gerdom, Kim (Mike) Arndt and Mike (Mary Kaye) Kirschbaum.
His grandchildren are Ryan (Traci) Hansen, Scott (Bria) Hansen, Jennifer (Shanda) Hansen, Katherine Walker, Sunni (Jim) Lensing, Ashley (Ryan) Trousdale, Lauren (Jeff) Anderson, Christopher (Steven) Bourbon, Travis (Jordan) Arndt, Dylan Arndt, Amanda (Josh) Dannen and Alex (Taylor) Kirschbaum. He also leaves 25 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carrie Dale Kirschbaum; his parents, Otto Kirschbaum and Rosa Kirschbaum Helland; his brothers, Ronnie Jilek, Leroy “Joe” Kirschbaum and Michael “Micky” Kirschbaum; his sister, Ottie Smothers; and his great-grandson, Isaac Alan Anderson.
Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel is caring for Gary’s family. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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