Gary Poulson
September 17, 2020
Gary Poulson, 78, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on September 17, 2020. He entered the hospital on September 4, 2020 with pneumonia. While there, they discovered he had pancreatic cancer that had spread to his lungs and liver. Gary came home on September 15 and died 2 days later. His family was very grateful that he was able to come home and they had an opportunity to tell them they loved him.
He was born March 14, 1942 in Iowa City to Lyle and (Edith) Wagner. Gary met Linda Byal doing a play together during their junior year. They dated throughout the rest of high school and were married June 16, 1963. They were married for 57 years.
After high school, Gary worked for the Des Moines Register. Following the Register, he went on to work for Bill Erickson at the Standard station at East 14th and Euclid in Des Moines, then to Wright Printing as an estimator. Wright Printing sold to American Spirit Graphics where he eventually retired as CEO in 2002.
Gary and Linda lived in Des Moines after they were wed. They then moved to a house in Altoona. After the kids had graduated, they moved to an acreage in Bondurant. Finally, in 2005, they moved to a townhome in Ankeny. Gary was a longtime member of the Masons and Shriners. He was an avid outdoorsman and would take yearly trips to Colorado and Canada for hunting and fishing expeditions.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; daughter, Kymberly (Steve) Den Hartog; grandson, Isaac Den Hartog; daughter in law, Kate Poulson; and brothers, Randy (Diana) Wagner and Mike (Penny) Wagner.
Gary was preceded in death by his son, Christopher in 2016; and his parents.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th St. SW, Altoona. Burial will follow services at Union Chapel Cemetery in Mingo. The family respectfully request all guests to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Debby Brown
09/23/2020
My thoughts and Prayers are with your family. R.I.P. Gary
Randy Yontz
09/22/2020
First met Gary at American Spirit Graphics & then again in recent years at Enterprise where we shared memories while driving all over the state of Iowa. Gary's morning greetings & friendship will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to Gary's wife & family. Memories for ever.
Mike and Becky Wachtel
09/21/2020
So many great hunting and fishing trips with Gary! Iowa, Colorado, Minnesota, Lake Michigan, Oklahoma, and many others. Gary would give you the shirt off his back, such a great friend. And we worked together at Wright Printing/ASG for 30 years. Hang in there Linda, our heartfelt condolences to you and family.
Dick Stream
09/21/2020
To the best friend I have ever had. He has been my hunting buddie for 40 plus years and i don't know what I am going to do without him. He has been with me and my wife thru all of our medical issues in the last three years. He and Linda are the first ones there and the last ones to leave. We were never alone. Gary you were the best. Rest in peace my friend and I will see you again and we will hunt in that big blue sky. Love you POLECAT.
Wade
09/19/2020
He will never be forgot. I will always remember his great smile and more importantly his love for his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Leasa Garrett
09/19/2020
9th street family 4 ever. Rest in peace and fly high with Chris and dad.
You will difantly be missed, Polcat.
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Ken Kuhn
09/19/2020
I met Gary while working part-time as drivers at Enterprise Rent-a-Car.Though I only knew him for a few years I came to think of him as a dear friend. Rest in peace my friend. You deserve it.
Ken Kuhn, Altoona