Gary Ival Blain

Gary Ival Blain, age 82, of Washington, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at the Washington County Hospital. Due to Covid restrictions the funeral and burial will be for immediate family.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when Covid restrictions aren't as strict. Burial will be in the Brooklyn Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn, is assisting the family with arrangements. Masks and social distancing are required.

Gary is survived by his wife Nancy; a daughter-in-law Valerie Blain, two daughters Angie (Kenny) Gretter, of Harper, and Jeanna (Matt) Hills, of West Branch; 10 grandchildren Jacob and Jillian Blain, Michaela Tinnes, Jerica Plummer, Blaine and Sarina Gretter, and Austin, Mattie, Gavin and Nathan Hills; seven great-grandchildren Chase, Merritt, and Cole Blain, Milo, Boyd, and Evelyn Tinnes, and Aubrey Plummer; a sister Jean (Charlie) Axtell, of Johnston; and a sister-in-law Kathy Blain, of Montezuma. He is preceded in death by his parents Ival and Evelyn, a son Curt, and a brother Marvin.

Gary was born April 13, 1938, in Montezuma, the son of Ival and Evelyn (Peterson) Blain. He graduated from Montezuma High School in 1956 and continued his education at Iowa Wesleyan College and the University of Northern Iowa, graduating with a masters degree. Gary was united in marriage to Nancy Day at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ottumwa. He was a junior high science teacher at BGM and a former hobby farmer. Gary enjoyed finding treasures at Goodwill and taking his dogs for walks. His favorite places to eat were Subway and Pizza Ranch. Gary loved to entertain the grandchildren and attend their activities. He also enjoyed working on home projects.