Gary W Eggenberger

Gary W. Eggenberger, 73, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2021 surrounded by loved ones in Altoona, Iowa.  Born March 24, 1948, to Iver and June Eggenberger, he was the first born of six children.  Nicknamed “Mr. Perfect,” he earned that title in every way.

Gary grew up in Lake City, Minnesota, and graduated from Lake City High School in 1966.  After graduation, he followed in his father’s footsteps and proudly joined the United States Army.  He developed many lifetime friendships there and loved sharing stories from his time in service to anyone that would listen.  Gary returned to Lake City after his service time and met the love of his life, Jeanne Komisar, of Zumbro Falls, Minnesota.  They were married on December 4, 1971, and would soon start their family, which Gary was always so proud of. A natural born family man, his love for his wife and children was evident to everyone who knew him. However, the role he was destined for was Papa.

Gary had a long, successful career in the nursery industry.  His sales career spanned 30+ years and helped form his four basic principles he demonstrated throughout his life:  Be honest, follow through, treat people as you would like to be treated and always say “thank you.”  Gary’s impact on his industry was recognized nationally in 2003, when he was awarded the Wholesale Plant Sales Professional Award from the American Nursery & Landscape Association, where he served as President of the Iowa chapter.

Gary was active in his community and church, and served at St. John Lutheran Church in Charles City, Iowa.  He was head coach for the Continental Amateur Baseball Association team and loved watching his players become successful on and off the diamond. In retirement, Gary and Jeanne moved to Altoona, Iowa, to be closer to their family.  Gary was an avid Broncos and Twins fan, and enjoyed watching his grandkids’ activities, his 4:30 glass of wine on the front porch, playing cribbage, and traveling.

Gary is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of forty-nine years, Jeanne; his children: Cory of Bondurant, IA; Tanner (Rondi) of Minneapolis, MN; Janee’ (James) of Altoona, IA; and Parker (Jill) of West Des Moines, IA.  Additionally, Gary’s eight grandchildren, who will miss him dearly; Jacob (Minneapolis), Sam, Charlie, Jack and Ruby (Altoona), Matthew (Bondurant), and Finn and Emilia (West Des Moines).  Gary’s siblings: Lee (Sharon) of Lake City, MN; Laneova’ of Clarkston, WA; Jim (Deanna) of Charlottesville, VA; and Todd (Polly) of Shorewood, MN.  Brother-in-law Jim Komisar (Debbie) of Winnipeg, Canada; and mother-in-law, Dolores Komisar of Rochester, MN.  As well as several nieces, nephews, and other close family members.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Iver and June Eggenberger; his sister, Ardie Eggenberger; and his father-in-law, Tilmon Komisar.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 11, 2021, from 1 to 4 pm at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Anderson – Peterson Chapel in Lake City.  A private family service will be held Monday April 12. A live stream of the service will be on the Mahn Family Funeral Home Facebook page starting at 11 AM, Monday. Burial will be in St John’s Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family. On Line Condolences may be placed at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com

Masks and social distancing are required.