Gary L. McGinnis, age 68 of Dubuque, Iowa completed his earthly journey on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at ManorCare Health Services in Dubuque, IA.  A private family service will be held to celebrate Gary’s life.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Gary’s family.

Gary was born on April 19, 1951, in Dubuque, a son to Lawrence “Snuffy” and Elizabeth “Betty” (Ring) McGinnis.  Gary always felt blessed to have been able to spend his entire life in the Dubuque area, enjoying the time spent with family and friends.  He married his bride Debra (Ben) McGinnis on June 23, 1990 with whom he spent much time shopping, camping, relaxing by a fire and the occasional catfish dinner (his favorite).  They also enjoyed trips with the family to Jellystone and Adventureland and checking out his favorite toys at car shows.  Gary was not a homebody, though, always eager to trek the outdoors.  Gary cherished his time spent in Strawberry Point hunting for a trophy buck, a big tom turkey and morels (another favorite).  He also spent countless hours fishing for catfish and trout.  Being a forever kind and generous soul was in Gary’s nature.  He made friends with all who crossed his path and so many of those friendships lasted a lifetime.

Gary’s professional life spanned operating as a CDL licensed semi-driver, 19 years at Georgia Pacific as an equipment operator and even into retirement as a driver of the local mini bus.  He drove both for the City of Dubuque and Luther Manor for 7 years until health difficulties compelled him to turn keys in for the last time.  Gary’s love for people, the ability to share his wisdom, experiences and “goofy” sense of humor made a lasting impression on those around him, even while struggling with his declining health.  Gary’s passion and good-nature was not relegated to his friends, but extended to his favorite pets as well.  He enjoyed a good walk as much as anyone, but if a good nap or a Packers game was finding its way into his day, you could be sure to find his puppies enjoying it alongside him. 

It’s quite difficult to imagine living in a world without Gary.  He had the natural ability to brighten everyone’s day and his attitude toward life is that which we can only hope to emulate moving forward.  Gary’s physical absence will leave a marked void which even time will find challenging to fill and heal.  But we trust that the Lord will finally deliver the peace which Gary has been seeking and we are eternally grateful that any sufferings he may have endured have now ceased.  We will miss him, love him, laugh and cry for him, but most importantly, we will never forget him.  We thank you Gary for all of the wonderful memories you’ve left behind for your family and friends to treasure.  We will always remember to spread and share our love and devotion for others as you would have.  God bless you Gary!  

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Gary include,

his loving wife,

Debra McGinnis, Dubuque, Iowa;

his children,

Tammy (Bill Kaufmann) Sprecher, Dubuque, Iowa,

Tera (Aaron) Turner, Marion, Iowa,

Laura McGinnis, Dubuque, Iowa,

and Doug (Cindy) Siegert, Farmington, Minnesota;

his beautiful grandchildren,

Cody Sprecher, Cailee Sprecher, Alex Sprecher, Chloe Kaufmann, Jack Kaufmann, Logan Turner, Lucy Turner and Ellie Siegert;

his brothers,

Dave (Kim) McGinnis, Parrish, Florida,

and Ronnie (Kelley) McGinnis, Dubuque, Iowa;

his in-laws,

Tim (Jean) Ben, Dubuque, Iowa,

Tammy Ben, Dubuque, Iowa,

Jerry (Pam) Ben, Sherrill, Iowa,

Roger (Linda) Ben, Sioux City, Iowa,

Doug (Vicki) Ben, Durango, Iowa,

and Kathy Ben, Dubuque, Iowa;

his dearest friends,

Eldon (Sue) Fenton, Max (Jody) Fenton, Steve (Pam) Heinz and David Steines;

along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Mary Lee McGinnis and Kathleen McGinnis; his brother, Timothy McGinnis; his father-in-law, Harry Ben; and a niece, Krista Ben.

Gary’s family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Deacon Mike, Dr. Whalen and Dr. Steffen, along the nurses and staff at ManorCare and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Gary, and his family.

Online condolences may be shared with Gary’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com