Garry R. “Gummer” Swank, 85, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday evening, July 24, 2024, at home.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating his life will be held at 11 A.M., Thursday, October 3, 2024, from the Bridgeport Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.  All family and friends are welcome to attend.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  A luncheon will follow at the Prairie Creek Pavilion in Maquoketa. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Garry Ralph Swank was born on June 5, 1939 in Iowa City, Iowa, to Ralph and Addamae (Wood) Swank.  He grew up in the Muscatine area.  He married Rose Ealy on September 9, 1963 in Iowa City, Iowa.

Garry worked as a forklift operator and janitor at John Deere in Dubuque from January 18, 1967 until he retired on January 31, 1997.

Garry enjoyed classic cars, John Deere collectibles, traveling, and spending time with family.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Rose Swank of Maquoketa, IA; children, Naomi (Mark) Dague, Sr. of Preston, IA, Violettia (James) Dague of Maquoketa, IA, and Carrie (Terrance “T.J.”) Key Jr. of Dubuque, IA; brother, Wayne (Caroline) Swank of KS; 19 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.  He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Beverly Puccio, sister and brother-in-law Sharon and Jack Eppes of TN, one grandchild Daniel Hastings Swank, and two great-grandchildren Skyler Smith, and Cynthia Dague.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County.

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