Gary Lovejoy, 90, of Oskaloosa, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at his home under the care of Mahaska Hospice.
Gary Lee Lovejoy, son of Byron and Mamie (Lone) Lovejoy, was born November 5, 1935, in Miller, Missouri. When Gary was 12, the family moved to California, where he completed his education. In 1953, Gary enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for three years, including almost two years in Germany, before being honorably discharged in 1956.
After his service, Gary returned home and was united in marriage to Norma Sligh in Fresno, CA. Gary and Norma were blessed with five children. Gary worked in the construction business, and in 1996, a large hailstorm in Iowa brought him and his son, Ed, out to Iowa for work. Six months later, Norma moved to Iowa as well. Gary and Norma lived in Oskaloosa for another six years before Norma passed away in 2002. Gary later married Margaret Wells, and the two continued to live in Oskaloosa until Margaret’s passing in 2024.
Gary was a 20+ year member of the VFW and the Eagles. He enjoyed playing cards, and when he was younger, painting and ceramics, but you could most often find Gary around the kitchen table, having a conversation with friends and family.
Gary’s family includes his children: Ed (Tannia) Lovejoy of Oskaloosa; Laurie Lovejoy of Mariposa, CA; Steve Lovejoy of Mariposa, CA; Barry (Laura) Lovejoy of Marion, IA; and Cindy (Hershel) Sudden of Fresno, CA; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild “on the way”; and a brother, Donald Lovejoy.
Gary was preceded in death by his two wives, Norma and Margaret, as well as his siblings: Eugene, Hershel, Berle, Dale, Melvin, Ray “Swede”, and Edith.
As was his wish, Gary’s body will be cremated, and private family services will take place at a later date. Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with Gary’s arrangements.
