Gary Rourke
September 08, 2009
Gary W. Rourke, 56, died Tuesday, September 8th, 2009, at his home in Pleasant Hill.
Gary was born on July 2nd, 1953, in Lone Tree, Iowa. Graduating from East High School, then Drake University, Gary earned his degree in Education. Coach Rourke has worked for the Des Moines Public Schools for 26 years, serving as a teacher, wrestling coach, and most recently, a vice-principal at East. An avid outdoorsman, Gary enjoyed fishing and hunting.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Denise; his sons, Matt and Scott (Jenny Young); father, Ronald; sister, Judy (Dave) Kline and their family; Mark and Robin Harle and their family; Stephanie and Philip Chard and their family; and a host of family and friends. He was beloved by all. Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Jan.
Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 12th, 2009 at the Dale and Lois Bright Community Center on the campus of East High School, 815 East 13th Street, Des Moines. A visitation with the family will be from 3:30-8 p.m. Friday, September 11th, 2009 at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to East High School Alumni Association for a scholarship in loving memory of Gary.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Mike Braden
09/13/2009
I remember Gary from his days of coaching at Keokuk. I have officiated wrestling for 36 years. He will be missed!!
Bill & Rikki Knight
09/13/2009
Denise, Matt & Scott,
You guys are in our thoughts.Be strong.
Fred, Alisha and Fred Muller
09/12/2009
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Gary Cockayne
09/11/2009
Denise Very sad to hear this, stay strong.
The Iverson Family Shelley, Terry Jr. and Shann
09/11/2009
Denise, Matt, and Scott
Gary touched so many different people on so many different levels. He always tried to find the good in everyone. He will be missed by everyone and forgotten by no one. We pray that you will cherish the good memories and that they will give you the strenght to make it through the following days and months. Rest in peace Coach...rest in peace
Scott Roustio & Family
09/11/2009
Denise, Matt, Scotty
Our prayers and thoughts go out to all of you.
Augie Gutierrez and Family
09/11/2009
Denise, Matt and Scott,
I am so sorry for your loss, my thughts and prayers are with you guys. Gary was a great guy! I can still hear him now "Augie Doggie" that just never seem to get old. He gave me a shot to coach alot of great kids when I was very young. I met some great people at East High School and I owe that all to Gary.
He took me under his wing and always made sure that I was staying on task with school, life and being responsible. We had many great conversations about many different subjects. He always seem to have a gift for making things seem better. I am going to miss him very much. Denise you were his rock. Matt and Scott I can tell you that he was always very proud of you guys.
I love you all
Augie
Judi (Luther) Roland
09/11/2009
Denise, Scott, and Matt......there are no words.
At times in my life, when I needed support, Gary was always there with a kind word....or a pat on the back.
I will be there on Saturday as they honor him.....and my prayers will be with you.
Once a Scarlet ...... always a scarlet.....
In Love and Prayer.....
Patti (Andre') Adamovicz
09/11/2009
I am so sorry for your loss. Coach Rourke touched so many lives.
May God be with you and your family through this very difficult time.
Patti Andre'-Adamovicz
Class of 1991
Jill Street
09/11/2009
Gary was like an uncle to me, he came to every sport's games of mine. He always told me to practice, practice, practice and that will get you somewhere in life. I always believed in him as he told me I was like a duaghter he never had. He gave me the nickname of Jillypooh and to this day that is still what people call me. He made me laugh when I was down, he always gave me courage and gave me the right answers to everything. He was always my best coach anyone could ask for. Even when I left Hoyt Middle School he still gave me courage that I would be fine at Southeast Polk and I would meet new friedns and do good at all of my sports there too it was the most awesome things when he would come to some of my games just to watch me at Southeast Polk. My thoughts and paryers are with his family through this tough time. I will miss him very much and he will always be a hero to me. He was too young to go, but he is up in heaven looking down on us. He has touched so many lives and a lot of people will probably say the same that he was there hero too. You will be missed tramendiously!
Randy & Evelyn Worth
09/11/2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the future.
Randy & Evelyn Worth
Summer and Aric Hollingshead & Family
09/11/2009
Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. May your memories give you strength!
Aric & Summer Hollingshead and Family
Gary Cockayne
09/10/2009
Sorry Denise and family.
The Madison Family
09/10/2009
To The Rourke Family,
He Was A Son,A Husband,A Father,A Brother,A Uncle,And A Friend To Many,The Family Knows Him Best,But I Wanted To Share That He Also Was APart Of Our Family,He Will Be Missed, Know In Your Hearts He Has No More Pain.East High School Is A Big Part Of Our Families Lives And Gary Rourke Will Always Be Apart Of That.Mr Rourke Helped To Make Sure That Jesse Class Of 2006,Danny Class Of 2006,And Linda Class Of 2007 All Walked Across The Stage.Rest In Peace Mr Rourke Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With Your Family
The Rourke Aunts
09/10/2009
Gary....
A man of OUR time ...a man of ALL times...May his lessons and legacy live on IN time
Our hearts are Happy.. for all you touched....Yet! HEAVY... for all that loved you so much
Your Rourke Aunts continue to cheer you on ..for to us...
you'll never be gone
You set your sail.. at a very young age ...now continue your journey...as you turn the new page...
A special thanks to YOU for helping those who needed that extra "step-up"...
Blessing to your mother,brother, grandfather Ron and all other extended
family members...
Delores McGillin..North Liberty IA Carol Krob...Tipton IA...Veronica Hoye..Denver CO Elizabeth Peters...Chicago Il Theresa Stelk..Davenport IA
Sarah O'Reilly ...Sylmar CA