Gary L. Kosmacek
November 2, 1958-September 3, 2024
FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, September 9, 2024, at 11:00AM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha with VISITATION from 10:00AM-11:00AM.
INTERMENT: Westlawn- Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed by the family
To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Gary Louis Kosmacek was born to Lloyd Lester “Sonny” Kosmacek and Catherine Ann Simet on November 2, 1958.
Gary was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha and is the fourth of eleven children. The family moved to Paxton, NE in 1960 where they lived and worked on a farm. Even as a little boy, Gary and his brothers got in trouble for chasing the chickens and trying to ride the sheep. In 1966 the family moved back to Omaha.
Growing up with Gary was never dull. He was the ONLY kid who was able to squeeze through the basement chain-locked door to “escape” while his big sister was upstairs cleaning the house. There are countless stories that include late-night tire rolling, doorbell ringing, train hopping, and many trips to the Convenience Store.
The family moved to Persia, IA in the summer of 1974. He attended Tri-Center HS in Neola, IA. During his junior year he needed a date for prom. The most important requirement was she needed to be shorter than him. His younger sister Gayle found him the perfect date. As fate would have it, Gary and Miss Lisa Schley had crossed paths many years before without knowing it. Lisa agreed to be his prom date, and the rest is history. They had a passion for music and loved to dance. Gary and Lisa would have celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary this October.
Gary and Lisa were fortunate to have three children to fill their lives. He shared a passion with his son Nick, as they both had the same love for Freddie Mercury and the band Queen. The two of them were self-appointed honorary band members. They knew every Queen song, every word, every note, even all the moves…and were always ready to entertain.
Another life-long passion was creating and playing games. One of his favorite games was Axis & Allies…he loved killing Germans. He even made an exact replica of the game board, large enough to cover his pool table where he would spend many hours playing with his boys.
Gary aka “MacGyver” was our go-to fix it guy. He would help anyone… often without being asked. He would give you the shirt off his back (just not his HGM shirt). Gary devoted over 38 years of his life to HGM Associates and retired in 2021. His most cherished days there were the rainy days.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his baby brother Danny Joe, his son Nicholas, his stepfather Donald Franks, A.H., father-in-law, Russell Schley and mother-in-law Marge Keegan.
There are a host of people who will miss Gary. Those who loved him best include his wife Lisa, daughter Angela (David) Ingham and son Gerry Kosmacek, grandchildren Nicayla, Malissa, Haylee, Lily, Gavin, and Izabella; along with siblings Laura (Ed) Anderson, Lloyd “Butch” (Bev) Kosmacek, Donald (Kim) Kosmacek, Gayle (Bob) Nelson, Mary Kimsey, Joyce Kosmacek, Dale “George” (Jenny) Kosmacek, Timothy (Katie) Kosmacek, Kristina (Craig) Brich, and sisters-in-law Kathy Fox, Laurie (Mike) Nordman, brother-in-law David (Dorothy) Schley and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family requests that you take a moment to remember the time you each shared with Gary.
8 Comments
Lisa and Family,
My sincerest condolences for you.
Prayers and thoughts for you during this time of Loss.
Julie R. Whittington
Lisa & family, you are in my thoughts and prayers, very sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathy to this wonderful family.
Lisa, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at the loss of Gary. Deepest sympathy.
I know you’re up there— with Nick sitting beside you in that ole Scout—maybe my mustang or yours–with drums in the back— looking down on all of us–with that great smile of yours–no sarcastic remarks of course–living your new life. There will be no other like you–thank goodness. ;0) you filled our hearts with joy and some concerns at times–but you are special, and we will always–always have a special place in our hearts grateful you were a part of and touched so many lives with your humor–your insight and love!! thank you for all the memories. AS
Lisa, I hope you remember from years ago. I had the pleasure of working with Gary for many years and I will always remember them. He always had a smile no matter the situation was & he was a really standup guy. I will miss him dearly, may God bless you and your family.
Respectfully,
Michael D. Forsythe
Lisa and family. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of such a wonderful beloved father husband and grandfather, Thinking of you.
Lisa, My deepest sympathy to you as you grieve. Its been a long time ago at FDR but always remember your positivity. Know that many surround you with love and prayers.
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