Gary L., 85, and Jeannine G., 80, Eden of DeWitt, a devoted couple whose love and kindness touched many hearts, passed away within hours of each other at Fieldstone in DeWitt. Gary passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024, and Jeannine on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Gary Lee Eden was born on September 8, 1938, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Bernard William and Melba (Dieckmann) Eden.  He was a 1956 graduate of Calamus Community High School and then received his bachelor’s degree from Drake University in 1960.  He married Jeannine Gayle Meier on October 13, 1962 in Calamus, Iowa.  Two children were born to this union, Robin, and Troy.

Gary, who was affectionately known as “Bannana” had worked as the Director of the Department of Human Services all of his working life. 

He was a member of the Calamus Lions Club, had served as a Calamus School Board member, Wapsi Oaks Country Club Formation Committee member, and was on the E911 Establishment Committee for Clinton County.

The simple pleasures in life brought him the greatest joy. He relished the time spent attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, enjoyed golfing and playing cards.

Jeannine Gayle Meier was born on November 9, 1943 in Clinton, Iowa, to Grover Aaron and Lois Ruth (Holstein) Meier.  She was a 1961 graduate of Calamus Community High School.  She married Gary Lee Eden on October 13, 1962 in Calamus, Iowa.  Two children were born to this union, Robin, and Troy.

Jeannine had worked as a self-employed beautician, seamstress, and owner of Back Door Fabrics in Calamus.

She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Bliedorn, IlIowa Flyers, and the Orchid Society.

Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoyed flying ultralights, orchids, sewing and embroidery, golfing, and biking.

Gary and Jeannine’s legacy is carried on by their children, Robin (Brent) Petersen of DeWitt, IA, and Troy (Karen) Eden of DeWitt, IA; 6 grandchildren, Dylan (Kalyn) Petersen of DeWitt, IA, Nicole (Cale) Muhlhausen of North Liberty, IA, Zachary (Monica Rodriguez) Eden of Lost Nation, IA, McGwire Eden of DeWitt, IA, Drew (Ava Benoit) Eden of DeWitt, IA, and Alyssa (Henry Bloom) Eden of DeWitt, IA; 1 great-grandchild, Kamryn LeeAnn Petersen of DeWitt, IA; and Jeannine’s brother, Dale (Karolyn) Meier of DeWitt, IA.  They were preceded in death by their parents.

A joint celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Bliedorn, Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., Monday, May 6, 2024, at the church.  Burial will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Calamus, Iowa. 

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church at Bliedorn, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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