Gary Brian Quandt
December 4, 1940 — July 12, 2024
Gary Brian Quandt was born on December 4, 1940, the son of Herbert H. and Alousie (Martens) Quandt in Oakland, California. He passed away on July 12, 2024, at the age of 83 years, 7 months, 8 days. He was baptized on December 22, 1940, in Alameda, CA. The family returned to Iowa around 1945 where he was educated in the rural school system of Charter Oak at Goodrich #7 through the 8th grade. He was confirmed on April 14, 1957, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Gary enjoyed growing up on the farm around nature and animals. He moved to town with his family in January of 1959, graduating from Denison High School in 1960. Gary was active in Football, Basketball, and FFA through high school, some of his projects included caring for cattle and tending to the orchard on the family farm.
Gary went to work at REC/WIPCO after graduating from high school. On November 10, 1961, Gary was electrocuted in an accident at work that caused the amputation of his left arm, and third degree burns through his torso and arms. Gary believed it was by God’s grace that he was able to recover and live a normal life. He never let his challenges stand in his way from doing the things he loved, and he was climbing poles again in less than a year. Gary gained the nickname “Gunner” while responding to power outages and “gunning it” through poor weather conditions. Gary retired after 42 years at WIPCO.
Gary was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Through the years Gary enjoyed racing, gardening, cooking, bowling, fishing, and hunting. Gary’s cross-country trip to the 1964 World’s Fair in Seattle and down through LA ignited a love of travel; he enjoyed many fishing trips with friends in Canada and attended many national bowling tournaments. It often seemed that Gary’s name lived at the top of the high score board at Lucky Lanes, one could often find him there socializing and playing cards with friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gene Quandt. Those left to cherish his memory in their hearts include his six remaining siblings, David and Lola (Mohs) Quandt of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Robert and Linda (Lyman) Quandt of Denison, Iowa, Richard and Cindy (Hosch) Quandt of South Sioux City, Nebraska, Steven and Marleta (Johnson) Quandt of Emporia, Kansas, Herbert Jr. and Sally (Houston) Quandt of Denison, and Christine and David Blum of Denison; two foster siblings Larry Stegeman of Kansas City, Missouri, and Debra Clark of Minneapolis, Minnesota; nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
Gary went to work at REC/WIPCO after graduating from high school. On November 10, 1961, Gary was electrocuted in an accident at work that caused the amputation of his left arm, and third degree burns through his torso and arms. Gary believed it was by God’s grace that he was able to recover and live a normal life. He never let his challenges stand in his way from doing the things he loved, and he was climbing poles again in less than a year. Gary gained the nickname “Gunner” while responding to power outages and “gunning it” through poor weather conditions. Gary retired after 42 years at WIPCO.
Gary was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Through the years Gary enjoyed racing, gardening, cooking, bowling, fishing, and hunting. Gary’s cross-country trip to the 1964 World’s Fair in Seattle and down through LA ignited a love of travel; he enjoyed many fishing trips with friends in Canada and attended many national bowling tournaments. It often seemed that Gary’s name lived at the top of the high score board at Lucky Lanes, one could often find him there socializing and playing cards with friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gene Quandt. Those left to cherish his memory in their hearts include his six remaining siblings, David and Lola (Mohs) Quandt of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Robert and Linda (Lyman) Quandt of Denison, Iowa, Richard and Cindy (Hosch) Quandt of South Sioux City, Nebraska, Steven and Marleta (Johnson) Quandt of Emporia, Kansas, Herbert Jr. and Sally (Houston) Quandt of Denison, and Christine and David Blum of Denison; two foster siblings Larry Stegeman of Kansas City, Missouri, and Debra Clark of Minneapolis, Minnesota; nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
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