Gary Merle Waagmeester

Rock Rapids, IA        Gary Waagmeester age 57 of Rock Rapids, IA died Friday, December 29, 2017 at Rock Rapids Health Care Centre in Rock Rapids, IA.        Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m., Saturday, January 6th at Peace Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids, IA, with Rev. Mark Hansen officiating.   Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.        Visitation will be Saturday, January 6th from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids.        In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Waagmeester family for later designation.        Gary Waagmeester was born June 1, 1960 in Rock Rapids, the son of Merle Waagmeester and Shirley (Messner) Waagmeester.  He grew up in Rock Rapids where he attended Central Lyon High School and after graduating in 1978 he continued at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA and received his Bachelor Degree in Small Business Management in 1982. After his education he worked 10 years for IMT Insurance Company in Des Moines, IA, holding various positions. In 1992 Gary earned his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation.        He was united in marriage to Yvette Vander Ecken May 16, 1992 at the United Methodist Church in West Des Moines IA.  They made their home in Rock Rapids. In 1993, Gary and Yvette purchased his father's business, Waagmeester Insurance Agency in Rock Rapids.             He joined the Rock Rapids Kiwanis Club in 1993 and continued as a member for as long as he could. He enjoyed waterskiing, coaching the boy’s t-ball and soccer teams and he helped with Cub Scouts.  Gary had a passion for track and field, and he attended the Drake Relays for 38 consecutive years. Gary was also a proud supporter of Central Lyon football. He was a member of 2 state championship teams, and also Central Lyon Quarterback club for 21 years. Due to his passion for finding a cure for Huntington's Disease the Northwest Iowa Shoot-For-A-Cure Hoopathon began in 2012. Also, Gary requested for his brain to be donated towards Huntington's Disease research.         He is survived by his wife of 25 years Yvette Vander Ecken Waagmeester of Rock Rapids, IA; two sons, Alex Waagmeester of Spencer, IA and Jay Waagmeester of Rock Rapids, IA; two brothers, Randy (Kim) Waagmeester of Rock Rapids, IA and Terry (Vicky) Waagmeester of Lakeville, MN; a sister, Cindy (Kevin) Trager of Sioux Falls, SD and many other extended family.        He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Shirley Waagmeester.