Gary Alan Barth, 67

Gary Alan Barth, 67, passed away peacefully, March 23, 2021, at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community following a recent diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.

Gary said he has always tried to be a good person, and those who knew Gary say he was such a kind and caring person. He was loved by all who knew him.  Born October 22, 1953 in Decorah, he was raised by loving parents, Harold E. and Helen G. (Thorson) Barth in Waterloo, IA. He was easy-going and always thoughtful - had a wonderful smile and was always described as “the cutest little kid ever”.  

Growing up, he was known to disassemble household items to see how they worked, build various contraptions, and spend time outdoors - often with his older brothers, Jim and Don.  He was also known for his ability to fix anything and was very gifted mechanically. Gary graduated from Orange High School in 1971 and soon after entered into military service in the Marine Corp. Upon honorable discharge, he met his future wife, Suzanne (Watson) Barth.  They were married on June 11, 1977 and were blessed with 43 wonderful years together.  Gary especially enjoyed time with his beloved family, including parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews’ families. Gary was a loving and thoughtful husband and consistent source of support to Sue.

Always young at heart, Gary maintained an enthusiasm for fishing, computer technology, and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He enjoyed problem solving and was held in high esteem for being able to fix anything throughout his occupation in maintenance over the years.  He officially retired from Masonite Architectural in Mason City in February 2020. 

Gary is survived by his wife, Suzanne; mother, Helen G. Barth of Waterloo, IA; his sister Debra (Richard) Schroeder of Waverly; his sister-in-law, Barbara Barth of Cedar Falls; 10 loving nieces, nephews and numerous cousins; Sue’s parents, Bob and Pat Watson of Waterloo, and sister-in-laws Carolyn (Bob) Carpenter and Janice Watson.  Gary was preceded in death by his older brothers James and Donald Barth, his father Harold E. Barth, sister-in-law Julie Barth and grandparents.

There will be a Celebration of Life service to be held in the Chapel at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 11:00 am.  Visitation 1 hour before service beginning at 10:00 am.  Face masks and temperature screening is required for attendance.  A private service for immediate family will be held at the Iowan Veterans Cemetery when it is safe to gather at a later date.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at:  The Gary A. Barth group on Facebook or iowacremation.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for distribution to one of the following:  Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community, or Cedar Valley Hospice, or Wounded Warriors Project.