Gary Eldon Papenberg, 66, of Las Vegas, Nev., died in Las Vegas on July 16, 2012. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. He will be laid to rest in the Hillside Cemetery at State Center. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, 2012, at the funeral home in Marshalltown. A memorial fund is being established. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com.
Gary was born on May 29, 1946, in State Center. He was the youngest child of Earl and Ruth Papenberg. He grew up on a farm near State Center and graduated from West Marshall High School in 1964. Gary graduated from Iowa State University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation, Gary moved to California to chase his dreams. He started his career at State Farm Insurance. In the summer of 1969, Gary met Rena Bourassa. They were married on Oct. 30, 1969, and made their home in San Bernardino, Calif. To this union were born three children: Brian Jay, Lisa Ann and Terry Lynn.
In 1982, Gary and Rena moved back to Iowa to raise their young family. Gary worked various jobs in the investment and insurance industries. After an extensive career at Allied Insurance, Gary retired in 1998.
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In the fall of 1998, Gary and Rena moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. As early retirees, they enjoyed the nice weather and the many fun activities Las Vegas had to offer. To keep himself busy, Gary also worked part-time at Acrylic Works.
Gary enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His favorite hobby was investing in the financial markets.
On June 28, 2012, Gary suffered a severe heart attack that eventually claimed his life on July 16.
Left to celebrate his life: wife Rena, of Las Vegas; children: Brian (Wendy) Papenberg, of West Des Moines, Lisa (Dale) Johnson, of Gardner, Kan., and Terry (Norma) Papenberg, of West Des Moines; and eight grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother Ronald (Donna) Papenberg, of State Center, and his sister Marlene Stauffer, of West Linn, Ore.; nieces, nephews and friends.
In his death, he joins his parents.