Gary J. Bleeker

     Gary Bleeker, 78, of Sioux Center, Iowa died Monday, November 11, 2019 at his residence.

   Funeral service will be held at 10AM on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at the Central Reformed Church of Sioux Center with Rev. Roger Voskuil officiating.

Family and friends will gather at Memorial Funeral Home on Saturday at 9AM prior to interment, with military honors, in Memory Gardens cemetery of Sioux Center.

A visitation with the family present will be held on Friday, Nov. 15^th from 4-7pm with family present from 5-7pm at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center.

     In lieu of flowers memorial may be directed to the Doornink-Brunsting Post 199, American Legion of Sioux Center.

     Gerrit “Gary” James Bleeker was born on September 6, 1941 to Cornelius and Jennie (Herwyer) Bleeker in Sioux Center, Iowa. He received his education at Sioux Center High School and graduated in 1959. Gary served in the United States Army for three years before he was honorably discharged in 1965. He was stationed in Germany during that time. After serving in the Army, Gary moved to El Paso, Texas for two years.

   On June 17, 1978 Gary was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Parker in Sioux Center. Gary co-owned the Holland House with his father until they sold the business in 1985. After the sale of the Holland House he worked at the Hy-Vee Meat Department for over 20 years, until his retirement in 2011.

     Gary was a member of the Central Reformed Church, the VFW Post 6129, and received a 50 year recognition for his membership to the Doornink-Brunsting Post 199, American Legion this year. He enjoyed splitting wood, hunting, fishing, driving the countryside, and going for coffee at the Backdoor and Doc’s Café.

     Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Jeremiah (Jennifer) Bleeker of Jacksonville, FL, son Richard Bleeker of Sioux Falls, SD, and daughter, Rachel Bleeker of Sioux Falls, SD; four grandchildren, Riley James, Thomas James, Jocelyn Claire Marie Bleeker, and Malachi James Bleeker-Owell; sister, Henrietta (David) Scholten of Sioux City, IA; and brother, Carl (Paula) Bleeker of New Jersey.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Jennie; and his wife Mary Ellen.