Gary A. Sleege

Gary Alfred Sleege, age 86, originally of Marshalltown, Iowa passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026 in the loving care of his family and Mercy Hospice Care in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Gary was born on January 12, 1940 in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Russell and Lela (Swanson) Sleege. He was the oldest of 3 children and lived a humble life.

At age nine, Gary lost his father, and was raised by his loving mother who was a faithful Christian ensuring that he learned about the Bible and salvation through Jesus Christ. Throughout his life, Gary dedicated his life to serving Jesus Christ.

In high school, Gary was inspired by his Physics teacher, John Barrigar, to learn more about radios and electronics. After graduation, Gary studied engineering at Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas where he met the blue-eyed love of his life, Dorothy Oliver. They married on December 22, 1960 in Morrilton, Arkansas.

Gary continued his education at Iowa State University graduating with a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He began his career in 1964 working at ISU for U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory at their newly constructed Research Reactor; then moved to Fisher Controls/Emerson Process Management in Marshalltown; then back to Ames Lab/ISU Physics department, working on the PHENIX trigger system for the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY; and on the team of the ‘ABC Working Replica Project’ of John Atanasoff’s ‘ABC computer’, the world’s first electronic digital computer upon which all of today’s computers are designed.

Gary and Dorothy enjoyed 65 years of marriage. Gary was a loving husband, father and grandfather (Papa), welcoming son Kim Russell in 1963, and daughter Kindra Lela in 1965. He was a hands-on father demonstrating love to his family and training them up to know the Lord.

He delighted in all of his grandchildren, spending much time with them so they knew how special they were to him.

Gary was an Elder and active member of the Church of Christ. He taught Bible classes, served in the assembly, and was willing to assist with any needs.

Remaining to cherish his memory, Gary leaves behind his wife Dorothy, two children: Kim (Valerie) Sleege of Center Point, IA and Kindra (Mike Dziurgot) of Aurora, CO. He leaves behind six grandchildren: Nicholas (Ariel) Lacina of Aurora, CO; Nathan (Lexi) Lacina of York, NE; Nicole (Paul) Hines of Iowa City, IA; Abigail (Noah) Riggs of Marion, IA; Andrew (Casey) Sleege of Cedar Rapids, IA; and Aaron Sleege of Center Point, IA; and two great-grandchildren: Anson Gary Lacina and Alieth Ryan Lacina.

Also remaining to celebrate his life are sister Marlene Taylor (Butch Moore), niece Lisa (Jerry) Morris, nephew Michael (Nila) Hutcheson, and their children. He was preceded in death by sister JoAnn, and her husband Ronald Hutcheson.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 AM at the Church of Christ building (1402 S. Center Street) with Memorial Services following at 11:00 AM. Lunch will be provided during a private family burial at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southern Christian Children’s Home (www.schome.org/donate). Mitchell Funeral Home is caring for Gary and his family. To leave condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

~ Lovingly written by family