Eugene R. “Gene” Lary, 78, of Delmar, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at home.

Eugene Richard Lary was born on November 22, 1945 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Wilmer E. and Helen Marie (Powers) Lary.  A graduate of Delwood High School in 1964, Gene furthered his education at St. Ambrose University in Davenport and in service as a member of the Army National Guard.  He then helped to carry on the business established by his father Wilmer.  Gene, together with his brother John, owned and operated Farmer’s Supply Centers for more than 50 years as the business grew to include FSC Corporation and operations in Delmar, DeWitt, and Wheatland.

Gene’s smile and charisma made him a welcome friend in many communities and places. He was a local member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club and regular golf partner to many at the Maquoketa Country Club and on courses throughout the area. Gene’s truck was also a familiar site delivering feed, seed and fertilizer to farms across the region. He regularly visited lifelong friends in places as far away as Hollywood, Florida.

At home in Delmar, Gene was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He enjoyed sharing stories with his neighbors, keeping the quiet companionship of a cat, and always a Corvette in the garage. 

Left to honor Gene’s memory are his sister-in-law, Maureen Lary of Maquoketa, IA; his niece, Michelle Lary Jareczek of Park Ridge, IL; and his nephews, Doug Trentz of Oxford Junction, IA, Tim Trentz of Dubuque, IA, Mike Trentz of Maquoketa, IA, Tom Trentz of Maquoketa, IA, Todd Trentz of Dubuque, IA, David Lary of San Diego, CA, and Michael Lary of Vancouver, WA. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joan Trentz, his brother John Lary, and his nephew Christopher Lary.

A funeral mass celebrating his life will be held at 10 A.M., Saturday, April 20, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Delmar, Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Friday, April 19, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery, Delmar.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Delmar Development Corporation.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.