Gary Gelo
Gary L. Gelo, 84, of Waukon passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, WI. Funeral services were held Thursday, August 13, at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Tom Hollmann officiating. Burial followed at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.
Gary Lee Gelo was born November 3, 1941, in Waukon to Arthur and Eunice (Krousie) Gelo. He graduated from Waukon High School in 1959, and married Gloria Heins November 19, 1962, in Luana. Together, they farmed in Jefferson Township, rural Waukon, raising beef cattle, crops, and dairy cows. Farming was Gary’s lifelong passion; a gifted tradesman and steward of the land, he took immense pride in his farm and meticulously cared for his equipment.
Gary and Gloria enjoyed motorcycle trips across the country and riding with the Wednesday Night Riders. He also cherished his classic 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback.
A genuinely kind man, Gary taught his family invaluable lessons simply by how he lived. He didn’t need many words to show how much he cared - his quiet actions and steadfast presence spoke volumes. Known for his sharp wit, warm sense of humor, and deep devotion to his family, and his cat Charlie, Gary leaves behind a legacy of integrity, hard work, and quiet devotion.
He is survived by his wife Gloria; four children: Jeff Gelo (Brianne Grimstad) and Jean Gelo, both of Waukon, Lisa (Curt) Pakkebier of Cedar Rapids, and Dave (Kirstin) Gelo of Prairie du Chien, WI; eight grandchildren: Heather Jones, Nick and Ashley Winter, Reid and Cade Pakkebier, and Seth, Tristin, and Aspen Gelo; 10 great-grandchildren: Kody (Berklee Hanson) Lier, Tyler, Trent, and Hudson Jones, Alex Meyer, Eli and Riley Ryan, and Wayde,
Harper, and Emery Winter; a great-great-granddaughter, Baylor Lier; and his siblings: Dennis (Susie) Gelo of Marion, Greg (Eulanda) Gelo of Marshalltown, JoAnn Rodgers of Cedar Falls, and Julie Gelo of Stewartville, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Becky Gelo (2020); his son Steven Gelo (2022); and his brother-in-law Terry Rodgers.
Casketbearers were Jeff and Dave Gelo, Nick Winter, Reid and Cade Pakkebier, and Seth Gelo.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
