Gary Dean Schons was born on October 29, 1945, in Waterloo, Iowa to Gerald W. and Marlys A. (Hasbrook) Schons. He was baptized and later confirmed at St. Mary's Mt. Carmel in Eagle Center, Iowa. He graduated from Don Bosco High School in Gilbertville, Iowa and from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Gary served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War in 1968. He worked at Rath Packing and John Deere Tractor Works in Waterloo. In 1976, Gary was united in marriage to Rosemary Pasley in Waterloo. They were later divorced. In 1985, he moved to Windom, Minnesota to work at Toro Manufacturing. He retired as Plant Manager from Toro in 2007 after twenty-two years. Gary passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 in Windom at the age of 71. Throughout the years, Gary was involved in the Lions Club and the American Legion in Windom. He enjoyed golfing, dancing, being with friends and family, playing games, watching Minnesota sports teams and attending his daughter's sporting events. He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Hayenga of Windom; two step-daughters, Lorie Noe (Steve) of Madison, AL and Sandie Smith of Cedar Falls, IA; like a son to Gary, Matt Janssen of Windom; one step-granddaughter; four step-grandsons; one step-great-grandson; four siblings, Diane Christopher (Jim) of Waterloo, IA, Dick Schons (Marilyn) of Waterloo, IA, Janelle Peeler (Ron) of Bowling Green, KY and Annette Thompson (Steve) of Arroya Grande, CA; one step-sister, Leslie Breakenridge of Hudson, IA; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Schons and Marlys Schons; step-mother, Elena Olson Schons; step-brother, Gary Olson (Nancy); and step-sister, Connie Olson. Blessed be the memory of Gary Dean Schons.