Gary Lee Dundee was born February 18, 1951 in Waukon Iowa to Eva (Walters) Dundee and Curtis Dundee. On May 2nd 2019 at the age of 68 Gary, while surrounded by his loving wife and three daughters, went home to his Father at Covenant Medical in Waterloo, Iowa.
Gary was raised in the Presbyterian Church and joined the Catholic Church upon marriage. He went to the Postville Community School. Gary had a strong love for his country and joined the Marines as soon as he was legally able to enlist. Gary spent time in Vietnam where he was injured. Gary’s injury sent him to Hawaii to recover and serve the remainder of his time in the service.
When he returned to Postville Gary worked at a few different jobs and spent time with friends. He met the love of his life, Madonna Leahy, and they were married on April 28, 1973. After they were married they spent time living in Cherry Valley Illinois and Ossian, Iowa before returning to Postville where they stayed and raised their wonderful family.
Gary was able to celebrate his 45th wedding anniversary with his wife. Gary spent many years working at Norplex. After Norplex he went and got his CDL and spent a number of years being an OTR truck driver. Gary enjoyed his time in the semi and was able to see many different places such as Washington D.C., New York City, the Rocky Mountains as well as the Appalachian Mountains, and even parts of Canada.
Gary was an avid fisherman and spent much of his free time on the Mississippi. In his younger years he would go and spend weekends on the river, always wanting to stay for one more fish. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and created many lasting memories with them.
Gary was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He was awarded the Purple Heart and other awards during his time in Vietnam. He was proud to be called a Marine.
Gary is survived by his wife, Madonna and his three daughters, Nicole (Brent) Larson of Marshfield, Wisconsin, Lori (Jerad) Burns of Postville and Jennifer (Tom) Benda of Postville; his grandchildren, Celena Bodensteiner, Hanna Bodensteiner, Khiaya Burns, Maclain Burns, Tad Larson, Rose Benda, Jason Benda, Mckinley Burns, Crue Larson and Clara Benda; his brother, Monte (Dode) Dundee of Postville; two sisters, Cindy (Todd) Rounds of Clermont and Audrey (Bryan) Meyer of Cedar Rapids; three sisters-in-law, Patricia Boland of Prairie du Chien, Therese (Jim) Buros of Madison, Wisconsin and Peggy Leahy of McFarland, Wisconsin; four brothers-in-law, Gary Leahy of Waterloo, Larry (Peg) Leahy of Thomasville, North Carolina, Jack (Sharon) Leahy of Oro Valley, Arizona and Robert Leahy of Pensacola, Florida.
He was preceded in death by a son, Jason; his parents Curtis and Eva Dundee; his mother and father-in-law, Mary and Victor Leahy; three sisters-in-law, Julaine (Leahy) Reindl, Debbie Leahy, and Francis Anita Leahy; four brothers-in-law, Jim Boland, Tom Reindl, Joe Leahy, and Edward Leahy as well as many other family members.
The family is saddened by the loss of Gary but they are comforted in the knowledge that he is reunited with his son. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same but as God calls us one by one the Chain will link again.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Postville, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before Mass at the church on Wednesday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Postville, Iowa with Rev. Nils de Jesus Hernandez as the Celebrant.
Interment with Military Rites will follow at Postville Cemetery, Postville, Iowa.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.