Gary Lee Schuster

Gary Lee Schuster, age 78, of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away on April 8, 2026, at Methodist Hospital, surrounded by family. He died just one day after his 78th birthday-a day spent exactly as he would have wanted, enjoying cupcakes, his favorite spicy chicken sandwich, and many birthday wishes from those who loved him.

Gary was born on April 7, 1948, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Edward and Evelyn Schuster. He grew up on a farm outside Britt, Iowa, where he learned the values that would shape his life: hard work, responsibility, and caring for the people and things around you. As a teenager, his family moved to Fort Dodge, where he graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1966.

The son of a World War II veteran, Gary enlisted in the Iowa National Guard after high school. His patriotism, along with his hope for a world guided by peace and common sense, stayed with him throughout his life. He took great pride in casting his vote in every election and instilled that same sense of civic responsibility in his children.

After high school, Gary moved to Des Moines and attended the American Institute of Business. While in college, he began working at Dico, Inc.-a company he would remain loyal to for his entire career, even through mergers and buyouts with Dyneer, Perelli-Armstrong, and Titan Tire. Gary was a deeply committed man. He worked hard, supported those around him, and often put others before himself. There was little room for ego in Gary's life; instead, he focused on service. He began his career in accounting at Dico and retired 45 years later overseeing internal auditing for Titan International, a role that took him around the world to places like Australia, Brazil, China, Italy, and Russia.

In 1969, Gary met the love of his life, Karen Raper, who had moved from Casey, Iowa, to work at Bankers Life in Des Moines. They met at Gary's 21st birthday party. Last November, they celebrated 55 years of marriage. Together, they raised three children and welcomed six grandchildren. Their life was full-cheering on kids at basketball, softball, baseball, football, rowing, and even a soccer game or two. Summers often meant packing up the family for camping trips, with cool nights around the campfire, giggles in the camper at bedtime, and Gary cooking breakfast on the grill in the morning-memories held close by all. And, Christmas always meant "just one more present" under tree.

Gary passed along many lessons to his children and grandchildren. If you were going to do something, you might as well take the time to do it right-but that didn't mean you had to be perfect. You just had to try your best, and whatever that was, it was always enough. To live in Gary's presence was to have your own personal cheerleader and comedian all in one.

All were welcome in Gary's home. While he often rolled his eyes at Karen for cooking too much food, there was always room at his table. If he really liked you, he'd open a good bottle of wine to share. And if he really, really liked you, he'd tease you throughout the entire meal.

True to his farm roots, Gary had a gift for growing things. His flower gardens and lush green lawn were a source of pride, and enjoying a fresh cucumber, tomato, or onion from his garden was to experience firsthand the care and love he put into his life.

There was no such thing as awkward silence with Gary. He made friends easily, was a habitual teaser, and could bring a smile to just about anyone's face-even if it sometimes earned him an eye-roll from his daughters.

Gary is survived by his wife, Karen; children Christy (John Sederwall), Tracy (Brian Matlock), and Jerome (Shelly); grandchildren Eamon and Graham Matlock, Tre and Chase Sederwall, and Mackensie and Jarret Schuster; and siblings Larry (Georgie), Janene (Pat Gentile), and Steve Schuster. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Evelyn Schuster.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held on April 20, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m.