Garth (Gary) M. Stravers

Garth (Gary) Marion Stravers, 92, of Mitchellville, Iowa passed away Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. He will be deeply missed by his family and loved ones.

Gary was born in Grimes, Iowa on June 14, 1929 to Marion Lewis (Slew) Stravers and Alice Downs Stravers. He worked on his family’s farm in Prairie City growing corn and soybeans, and was later stationed as a cook at an Army base in Kentucky during the Korean War. Gary entertained his family with stories about the meals he prepared for 500+ men. In 1956, Gary met his wife, Lola, at the Iowa State Fair dance. They married several months later, and enjoyed 64 happy years together.

Gary worked several jobs, but spent most of his career at Firestone Tire Company and retired in 1994 after nearly 20 years of service.

Gary was a strong role model for his children – he was a leader by example. He worked long hours seven days a week in order to provide for his family. Gary rarely complained – he was matter of fact, easy going, always pleasant, even-tempered and agreeable. He had a wonderful sense of humor and endearing charm, and wore a very mischievous grin when he wanted to evade a question.

Gary and Lola were devoted to their children and grandchildren. They never missed a birthday party, graduation, school performance, or sporting event – every milestone was celebrated and there were many!

Gary instilled in his children the value of hard work, integrity and honesty, but not at the expense of taking oneself too seriously. A big fan of Iowa sports, Gary offered enthusiastic support for Southeast Polk High School, Iowa State Cyclones, and Knoxville Sprint Car Racing. Gary enjoyed reminiscing about his parents and his youth. He liked to keep up with local and world news and politics, and was a fan of the RFD Channel and ‘Westerns’ on Grit TV.


Kyle remembers that his dad served as boy scout leader of his troop when no one else would take the job. Once on a camping trip, Gary did not own a sleeping bag, and ended up sleeping atop a picnic table in Thomas Mitchell Park. Greg enjoyed pheasant hunting and long bike rides with his Dad – as well as talking ‘shop’ about Firestone Tire, where they both worked many years. Cheryl recalls her dad being very frugal and thrifty and had a warm and generous heart, building her first bicycle himself which she treasured. Everyone remembers that Gary loved both homemade and HyVee ice-cream as his daily dessert – his freezer was always well-stocked.

Gary was a lifelong member of the Mitchellville Disciples of Christ Christian Church where he served as an Elder and Deacon. Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Lola; his parents, Slew and Alice; and his brother, Norman. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Pat Drottz; his brothers-in-law Mike Murphy (Linnea), Dave Murphy (Cindy); his three children, Kyle Stravers (Liz), Cheryl Tucker (Don), Greg Stravers (Angie); his seven grandchildren, Andy Stravers (Christina), Ellie Stravers, Adam Huddle (Kassi), Alyssa Stoner (James), Katelin Brees (Micheal), Abbigail Brenner (Cody), Isaak Stravers; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Altoona on Friday, February 18th from 5:00 until 7:00 PM. A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 19th at Mitchellville Christian Church at 11:00 AM followed by burial at The Mitchellville Cemetery. A luncheon will be served at the Church after the burial.

Memorial contributions will be received by the family for a future designation in memory of Gary.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com




Services will be live streamed from the attached link, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83212346118?pwd=WjRXaW8xNlM2WWN5QjFpRWVhWGNIdz09

Also, you may view it on YouTube. You will need to search for Mitchellville Christian Church on YouTube and watch "Live"

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