Gregory Edward Wing

Gregory Edward Wing a/k/a the “life of the party” passed away on April 21st, 2023.

Gregg was known by his catchphrase: “I’m so Happy” and was a celebrity of his own making throughout Urbandale and the surrounding areas. While he was not granted an honorary fire department membership – it was not for lack of trying and he was so very grateful for all the men and women of the local fire stations that took the time to show him their equipment and give him rides on the firetruck.

Gregg was born on February 7, 1969, in Des Moines, Iowa to Kenneth R. Wing and Linda K. Vanderloo. The doctors say Gregg was born with down syndrome but, in reality, he was born with a permanently happy disposition and a unique way to make everyone feel loved and welcome.

Gregg loved many things and was always grateful. He loved a good party. He loved giving and receiving gifts. He loved the Cyclones and the Packers even during seasons where they made it hard to love them. He loved going to the Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside, Friday nights at GiGi’s Playhouse, dominating the Special Olympics and fun activities through Link Associates. Most of all, Gregg loved his family and spending time with them.

Gregg is survived by his parents: Linda Vanderloo, John P. Leiendecker, Jr., Ken Wing and Elizabeth Wing; his siblings: Lisa (Jim) Quilty, Rebecca (Eric) Heikes, John Leiendecker, III, and Jessica (Tyler) Jacobsen; nieces and nephews to whom he was the best Uncle ever: Blake, Katlyn (Derek), Alexandra, Jake, Isabella, Dessa, Sophia, Kaden, Sullivan, Tiger, Jasmine, Hunter, Caledone, and great nephew Wesley; Aunts/Uncles: Shirley Wing, Janet (Bruce) Thompson, Kathy (Melvin) Weatherwax, and cousins: Erin, Stacey, Kara and Brian. Gregg is also survived by his long-time best friend and roommate Tim Dymond. Gregg was preceded in death by his grandparents Edward and Phyllis Vanderloo and Raymond and Lois Wing.

Gregg was a working man for most of his life. He took great pride and joy from his years of service in the bakery of the Urbandale HyVee. He made many friends amongst his co-workers and managers and the family will be forever grateful for the way they supported Gregg.

Gregg was an ardent keeper of stats. From the score of every game to the number of cookies he had for dessert (always more than he should have). The one stat he never kept, however, was the number of smiles he created and hearts he touched. It would have been too big to count.

The family would like to thank all of his current and past staff at Mainstream Living for their care and compassion and the great medical team at Mercy Hospital who cared for him and his loved ones in his final days.

Visitation will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, April 26th with a funeral service following at 1 pm, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Gregg will be laid to rest at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Des Moines beside his grandfather Raymond Otis Wing and grandmother Lois Wing who were great advocates for him as a child.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family and will be later gifted to GiGi’s Playhouse, 6507 University Avenue, Windsor Heights, Iowa 50324.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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