Gary L. Hurlbert

Gary “Chico” Hurlbert was born in Omaha, Nebraska, February 10, 1949, the son of Claire and Betty Hurlbert. He was raised in Nebraska receiving his education at Boystown in Omaha. On May 6, 1968, he entered the United States Marine Corps and served his country in Vietnam until his discharge, April 13, 1970. Upon his discharge he returned to Nebraska where he was employed and furthered his education at the University of Nebraska in Omaha. On May 12, 1977, Chico was united in marriage with Paula Swanger in Vermillion, South Dakota. They made their homes in Glenwood, Dow City and Woodbine, Iowa, before moving to Denison, Iowa, in 1985 where he had since resided. He was employed at Dubuque Packing Company in Denison and later at Farmland from which he retired in 2006 for medical reasons. He was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker fan and in his spare time he enjoyed being outside, hunting, fishing and just cruising around town. He loved to tell stories and was happiest spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and friends. When the children were younger he coached Senior League Baseball for three years, Senior League Softball for one year and was a referee for the Youth Football League in Denison. Gary died Monday morning, November 22, 2010, at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 61 years, 9 months and 12 days. He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Stephanie Marie Hurlbert. Those remaining to cherish his memory include his “wifey”, Paula Hurlbert of Denison, Iowa; three children: Chris Swanger of Sioux City, Iowa, Jamie Swanger of Denison, Iowa, and Faith and husband, Danny Martin of Sioux City, Iowa; four grandchildren: Brendan Hurlbert, Garrett “Halfpint” McGinn and Heavenly Martin all of Sioux City, Iowa, and Cameo Swanger of Council Bluffs, Iowa; other relatives and friends. Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 27, 2010, at the Pfannebecker Funeral Home in Denison, Iowa, with Bonnie Shafer officiating. Music for the service included the recorded selections of “If You Get There Before I Do”, “Baby Girl”, “Love Like Crazy”, “If Today Was Your Last Day”, “Live Like You Were Dying” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain”. Honorary pallbearers included Halfpint, Steve Hartmann, Jamie Swanger, Danny Martin and Dan Shattuck. Military Honors were provided by the American Legion Post 8, Denison, Iowa. Following the services all were invited to join the family at the Denison Senior Center for fellowship and a luncheon. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , Denison, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.