Gary Lee Housewright, 73, of Carman, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born March 28, 1953, in La Harpe, IL, to William A. and Norma Jean Limkeman Housewright, Gary married Nicole "Nikki" Lynn Bower on December 17, 2011.
Gary worked from boyhood in his family’s contracting business, later serving as President of Housewright Contracting and taking great pride in Midwest historic restorations like the Carthage Jail Visitor Center. A commercial pilot and P.A.D.I. Master Scuba Diver, Gary lived for adventure, music, and collecting classic cars.
As a father, Gary shared his love of travel on family trips to Jamaica, Mexico, and Costa Rica. He enthusiastically “drug the kids along” to airshows, car shows, races, and street festivals until they loved them too. His presence as a father was found in simple moments: swimming in the pool, sharing snacks, or cruising in his construction truck “checking the jobs.”
In retirement, Gary and Nikki operated Gasoline Alley, fostered over twenty Brussels Griffons, extensively traveled, and wintered in Port Isabel, TX. He loved hosting visits from Julie, Addison, and his granddaughters, as well as traveling to Vietnam, Nicaragua, and a special road trip in New Zealand with his son Bill. Above all, Gary treasured quiet moments at home and being "Papa Bubby" to his granddaughters.
Survivors include his wife, Nikki; four children, Julie Leischner, William "Bill" (Lucy Scott) Housewright, Addison (Kurt) Dittmer, and Alex Bentzinger; eight grandchildren, Camryn, Hadley, Scott, Charlie, Cass, Kelsey, Lauren, and Luke; great-grandchild, Julius; and brother, Steve (Carol) Housewright. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Terry, and heart dog, Rio.
Per Gary's wishes, his body was donated to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program. A Celebration of Life will be held later this fall. Memorials may be made to the National Brussels Griffon Rescue or Great River Health Foundation Volunteer Department.
Arrangements are by Prugh Funeral Service. Read the full obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.