Gerry Lewis Garnes
October 26, 1943 ~ November 13, 2025
Gerry Lewis Garnes, 1943–2025
Gerry Garnes, a long-time resident of Perry IA, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 13. He was 82.
Gerry Garnes entered the world on October 26, 1943, at 1:50 p.m. in Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. Born to Ivyl Ellsworth Garnes and Delsie Gertrude Garnes, Gerry grew up with a big heart, a famously ornery and stubborn and a talent for finding the most complicated way to complete any simple task. These qualities, of course, only made him more lovable and certainly more memorable.
Gerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Ivyl Elswoth Garnes; his brother Charles William Cretsinger; his brother Oliver Junior Crestsinger: and his sister Dorothy Winfred Young; and by the love of his life, Billie Kestel, with whom he spent 20 years of laughter, horses, camping, fishing and more yard projects than most people would attempt in a lifetime. Together in Perry, Iowa, they cultivated flowers, tended to their yard, and enjoyed caring for one very beloved fishpond that brought them no shortage of entertainment.
Gerry had a traveler’s spirit; he proudly managed to visit every single state in the USA, collecting stories, scenery, and the occasional souvenir that no one else quite understood. Usually consisting of pens, flashlights or pocketknives.
Left to celebrate his life are his sons Nick Garnes of Fort Collins, Colorado; Chad Garnes of Harrisburg, South Dakota (and Chad’s wife, Rebecca), his sister Linda Baer and his grandchildren Jackson (26), Aiden (16) and Evie (13).
Gerry kept busy—yard work, flowers and that one memorable fishpond now flower planter. His ornery humor, stubborn determination, and habit of turning even simple afternoons into adventures will be remembered—and missed—by everyone who knew him.
He leaves behind a family that will miss him deeply but will continue to tell his stories, laugh at his jokes, and remember him with the lightness and love he carried through his life.
May Gerry, dad, grandpa rest in peace.
A celebration of life will take place December 13, 2–5 pm, in the Nicolette Room at Hotel Pattee, Perry, Iowa. Snacks will be provided.
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