Gary Osby

Gary Osby, age 71 of Atlantic, Iowa died on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at the Heritage House in Atlantic. The son of Gordon and Lucille Osby was born and raised in Kanawha, Iowa. He graduated from Kanawha High School with the class of 1970. He furthered his education at Waldorf College, graduating in 1972, and then attended the University of Iowa. He returned to Britt, Iowa and began a 40-year career with the Iowa Department of Transportation, retiring in 2014.

This is my loving tribute to the man I fell in love with. We were married June 30, 1979, and would have celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary this month. I learned quickly that Gary was an adventurer, ready to travel, explore and learn new skills and hobbies along the way. As a young man, he enjoyed horseback riding, some roping, and rodeos. He had a love of horses he shared with his grandpa, which created a special bond. Gary sold his last horse, Sheila, to be able to purchase my engagement ring. That's probably why that horse never liked me. He rarely went anywhere without his faithful dog Dolittles, for the first 14 years we were married.

Gary thoroughly enjoyed sports and participated in a variety of them. He enjoyed snow skiing, snowmobiling, slow-pitch softball, playing pool, bowling and of course golf. It seems a lot of what brought pleasure to his life was wrapped up in his love of golf. Being outside on a beautiful day. Being able to spend time with good friends, and the opportunity to meet and make new friends. The adventures made while traveling to many places with friends to play golf all enriched the experience. He was a strong supporter of Iowa Hawkeye sports, so followed football, basketball, baseball, and wrestling. Watching a game in person was a highlight in Iowa City, or a bowl game. Gary was also an avid Cubs fan, even enduring with them through the losing years. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, even ice fishing. It was fun for him to share that interest with anyone who cared to join him. He liked to fish from his boat, even when it wasn't running. He liked having the Fancy gear and toys to go with his hobbies. He attended Rock Steady Boxing to curb the limitations brought on by Parkinson's Disease, where he again made new friends.

Music has always been a part of Gary's life. Through high school and mid 20's he played in a variety of bands as a drummer. He and a few friends had their own "garage band” and even played some gigs. He sang in the high school choir, and small mixed choir, but in his 30's he found his musical passion-singing 4-part harmony with the River City Barbershop Chorus in Mason City. He faithfully drove each week to Mason City for rehearsals and events for 3 years after moving to Atlantic. He loved singing, especially the 4-part harmony, and said that was the first thing he would do in heaven.
Gary had a creative side and displayed it as a gifted photographer. He won several amateur photo contests and had his photos printed for the IDOT calendars. He liked to work with wood, building small furniture items, decorative boxes and bird houses. He became pretty good at DIY projects and completed several home improvements.

There was no end to his desire to learn new hobbies, skills, or crafts. He learned to play bridge, and brew and bottle his own beer at home. He took private pilot's instruction. He was a gardener with a green thumb and shared his abundant produce with many. He took pride in having the "best looking lawn on the block", when I would tell him “It’s just grass". He could find the best places to eat in the most unlikely places and enjoyed getting out and going for drives. Gary found joy in the simple things like a good conversation, and he was a great listener. He had a keen sense of humor, and a willingness to help others when he could. He grew up in The Faith in the Lutheran Church and was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church in Atlantic where he had sung in the choir and ushered on a regular basis.
Gary has left us all with so many wonderful memories and stories to share. His wish for us was to celebrate the life he lived well here on earth and be at peace with his passing.

Gary will be missed by his wife, Teresa (Terry) of Atlantic; his sister, Cheryl (Dennis) Rietema and his brother, James (Lisa) Osby. Brother-in-laws, Timothy (Siobhan) Wood, Todd (Deanna) Wood, his close friends, and buddies. He enjoyed spending time and keeping track of his nieces and nephews scattered around the States. He is also survived by Aunts, Uncles and cousins. He will be waiting in heaven with his parents, grandparents, and niece, Trisha Wood.
Thank you to all who have kept us in your prayers, visits and support. Well done good and faithful servant.

Memorial services will be held at 1 pm., Sunday, June 18, 2023, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, Iowa with Rev. Lauri Boysen officiating. Visitation with the family present will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 4 pm till 6 pm at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home. Memorials can be made in his name and will be designated at a later date. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic is caring for Gary and his family and condolences can be sent at: schmidtFamilyfh.com