Gary "Gar" Dean Enfield

Gary Dean Enfield, 76, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home December 27th after a courageous journey with Lewy Body Dementia.

Gary was born on March 16, 1949, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Welma (Allbaugh) and Dale Enfield. He grew up on the east side of Des Moines, attending Stowe Elementary School and Woodrow Wilson Junior High, before graduating from East High School.

A true lover of childhood adventure, Gary often described his early years as something straight out of The Sandlot, his favorite movie, and delighted in recounting stories of neighborhood escapades. Baseball was a defining passion in his youth. He played at Grand View Little League and later for East High School, where his love of the game thrived.

After high school, Gary earned an electrical degree from United Electronics and also proudly served as a member of the Army National Guard.

One of Gary’s most cherished chapters was his time working at the Des Moines Children’s Zoo (now Blank Park Zoo). It was, by far, his favorite job. There, he worked closely with Bob Elgin and helped raise two lions, Rameses and Nefer, from cubs. Gary’s stories from the zoo - taking the lions for drives around town and even deterring a potential robbery by letting Ramese out of the truck, became legendary. Many of these adventures were later chronicled in Bob Elgin’s books Man in a Cage and The Tiger Is My Brother.

Following his years at the zoo, Gary worked as an electrician for the Rock Island Railroad before beginning a long and respected career as a service technician with Goodwin Service, later Goodwin-Tucker Group, servicing commercial restaurants across Iowa. Known for his reliability, skill, and easygoing manner, Gary built lasting relationships throughout the state and was often specifically requested for service calls. He later retired from Service Solutions Group due to Alzheimer’s disease.

In 1969, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Shannon Folsom. Together, they built a life rooted in love, dance, music, and laughter. They welcomed one daughter, Jenny (Joe) Miller, and later a grandson, Jack, who brought Gary immense pride and joy.

His happiest days included dancing at The Joker with Shannon, summers boating at Saylorville Lake, building model trains, coaching and chauffeuring his daughter, and caring for animals.

There was no animal that didn’t seem to love Gary, and he returned that affection wholeheartedly. He especially cherished caring for his cats, offering them the same quiet devotion and gentleness that defined his character.

Gary is also survived by his sisters, Barb (Denny) Geissinger and Carolyn (Dusty) Flynn, along with many in-laws, nephews and nieces, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Welma Enfield and brother-in-law Denny Geissinger.

Affectionately known as “Gar,” Gary will be remembered as the ornery, good-hearted guy who was a friend to all - always quick with a joke, always pulling your leg. He was a devoted husband and a constant presence in his daughter’s life.

Above all else, Gary’s wife and daughter were what mattered most to him. They were his world. And his girls were by his side as he peacefully passed.

A visitation will be held at Hamilton’s on Saturday, January 3rd 5-7pm, with a private interment at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League in Gary’s honor.

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