Herbert Gary Theobald was born on January 14, 1944 in Clinton, Iowa to Herbert and Vernetta Theobald (Sasges). He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, with his hands in ours.
Gary (aka Butch) graduated from Maple Valley High school in 1963. He played football in which he excelled. After graduation, he worked for Mc-Donnell-Douglas in California. In 1972 he began his 30 year career at John Deere Des Moines Works where he remained until his retirement on May 1, 2002.
Gary and Vicki met in March, 1971. He was married to his beloved wife, Vicki, for 50 year. Gary especially loved fishing with Vicki, they’d go every chance they could. Gary loved cooking and barbecuing..he was great at doing both! He loved watching his Iowa Hawkeyes play football and basketball, and he sure loved the Cubs.
Gary was an amazing husband, father, and papa to his grandchildren. His hands were as strong as could be, his heart was as soft as could be. He was a protector. The way Gary loved was hard, was strong and fun-and full of humor.
He loved us all so much.
His love extended to animals as well, as anyone who knew Gary, he was-by definition- a true animal whisperer. Animals were attracted to him, no matter where he went. Over the years he had three Yorkshire Terriers, Scooter, Lucy and Gaby. Gary and Scooter adored each other the same and were inseparable. Lexi and Shorty, his two cats he adored as well.
If you were on a boat, at the end of the world, you’d want Gary with you.
Survivors include his wife Vicki Theobald of Des Moines, Iowa; Daughter Stephanie Theobald of Des Moines, IA; Son Christopher Theobald (Moriah) of Chicago, IL; grandchildren Madilyn, Ellis and a new grand baby due to arrive December, 2022; three sisters, Dolly Kragel (Gary) of Sloan, IA; Myra Sattler (Tom) of Herndon, KS; Karla Struble (Mark) of Hornick, IA; two sisters-in-law Cindy Ghalibaf (Amir) Colleyville, Tx; Karan Sloan (Max) of Ankeny, Ia; two brothers-in-law, Larry Docken (Sandy) of Norwalk, Ia; Tom McCoy of Sioux Falls, SD; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Vernetta Theobald; infant brother, Michael Theobald; two sisters Renea McCoy; Terry Theobald; parents-in- law, Roland and Donna Docken; brother-in-law Lonny Docken, and granddaughter Ruby Mae.
A memorial gathering will be held on August 6th at Sunset Memorial Chapel from 10:00am-12:00pm. Gary will eventually be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens next to Vicki in the coming times. Memorials may be directed to the family to be determined at a later date.
The Theobald family would like to give a special thank you to UnityPoint Hospice for their generous care and support.