Gary Lee Mousel
November 2, 1941 – September 30, 2020
Gary Lee Mousel was born on November 2, 1941 in Hastings, Nebraska to Loretta and Victor Mousel. He died on September 30, 2020 due to various complications including kidney and congenital heart disease. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Janice Mousel, and his daughter, Jill Mousel. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Mousel; his daughter, Sr. Lynn Mousel, M.D.; his stepdaughter, Michell Houseton (husband Matt); and his son, Douglas Mousel (wife Connie); and two grandchildren, Anna Mousel and Donovan Mousel.
The oldest of four children and big brother to Vicki, Karen, and Jeanne, Gary “Moose” graduated from Saint Cecilia Catholic High School in 1959 and from Hastings College with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1964. He married Janice Rowley in 1967. His Army Reserve Unit was activated following the Pueblo Crisis. After serving in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, Gary was awarded a Bronze Star for exceptionally meritorious service while serving with the 172nd Transportation Company, 1st Logistical Command. Gary and Janice had three children, but they lost their youngest daughter to meningitis at the age of eight months. He was employed by Mutual of Omaha as a Group Insurance Underwriter for 37 years. Gary tragically lost Janice to cancer at the age of 46 in 1990. After a chance meeting at a Kenny G concert, he then pursued and married Rhonda Briggs in 1998.
Gary was a longtime parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church. Besides being a fixture at Sunday mass, he and his longtime friend, Marty Callaghan, regularly attended mass on Saturday mornings followed by breakfast at the local Hy-Vee. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends. In addition to taking dozens of trips to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, Gary’s travel destinations included Jamaica, Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, Machu Picchu in Peru, Cuba, and various beaches. Byron Augustin, Gary’s friend since college, was his travel companion on a vast majority of these adventures. Gary was a college football fan and could be found on Saturdays in the fall on the couch in front of the TV rooting for the Huskers and anyone playing against the Hawkeyes.
Gary was a generous, loyal, kind, loving man. Even during his final days in the ICU, he was graciously thanking the nurses and hospital staff for the care that they provided to him.
In lieu of flowers, Gary’s family favors donations to the Casa Hogar Elim orphanage in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Checks should be made payable to “Preston Trail Community Church – Casa Hogar Fund” and sent to Preston Trail Community Church in 8055 Independence Parkway, Frisco, Texas, 75035.
VISITATION following CDC guidelines: Sunday, October 4th from 3pm to 5pm, at the West Center Chapel followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 5pm. SERVICES: Monday, October 5th, 10am, West Center Chapel to Holy Cross Catholic Church (4810 Woolworth Ave.) for MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 10:30am. INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery with military honors.
To view a live broadcast of the Vigil, Mass and Graveside Services, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the homepage.
17 Comments
We are so sorry for your loss. COVID prevents us from being there in person to support and comfort Rhonda and the rest of the family but please know you have our love and are in our thoughts & prayers. We will be viewing the live broadcasts. Love, Sheryl & Dave Roberts
I would like to extend my sympathies to the entire Mousel family at this time. I am so sorry for your loss of a dear husband, father, grandfather and brother. Gary was a hero in his own quiet manner. He cared deploy for others and his lifelong faith sustained in in the difficult days. May your hearts be filled with peace and joy as you remember your dearly loved Gary.
so sorry for your loss. jim
Rhonda, I’m so sorry. I wish I could be there to support you like you were there for us for Mom. Take care. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Gary’s family.
We send our love and prayers to all. I (Carol) thank God for giving Gary tome as a brother-in-law who dearly loved my sister Jan. Rest In Peace Gary. We feel blessed to contribute to Mexico missions.
To the entire Mousel family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I had the good fortune of working with Gary for many years in underwriting. He hired me for my first job out of college. He was wonderful to work for. He was a true professional, kind, and had a great chuckle! He always spoke highly of his family and his many trips to Mexico to help others. He will be missed but I’m happy he was a Christian with a strong faith. I take comfort knowing he is now with Jesus Christ. Warmest regards, Barbara Mueksch
Sending love and prayers to Doug, Lynn , Rhonda and all of family. My treasured memories of Gary are special times with our families as my Paul and John played with their cousins doug and Lynn. . And Gary’s loving heart of my sister Jan when she died. will forever be a blessing for me. Rejoicing that today he is reunited with Jan and little Jill. My husband Dave and I rejoice in giving to Mexico ministries in Gary’s memory.
We extend our sympathy to the Rhonda, Doug, Lynn and the entire Mousel family. We are saddened to learn of Gary’s passing, but reassured that his faith and love of family and life will remain a blessing to all who treasure his memory. We met Gary around the time of his marriage to my cousin Janice (nee Rowley). Later, we experienced Gary’s and Jan’s hospitality and love at family gatherings, and we rejoiced with them as their family grew. Years passed, and we again rejoiced when Gary and Rhonda were joined marriage. Faithful Gary never missed sending letters to us on our birth anniversaries and at Christmastime. He shared his passion for travel and pride in Doug’s and Lynn’s accomplishments. Knowing now the road recently traveled, we send our condolences especially to Rhonda, whom we uplift in prayer for comfort and reassurance that God provides. With love, Gordon and Naomi Rowley
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Gary at Mutual of Omaha for years. He was a great guy and will be missed.
Proudly served with Gary (Mailman) in the 172nd. RIP my friend.
Rhonda, sending you sympathy in the loss of Gary. Holding you up in prayer and support for the days ahead. May your kindness over the years to our family be returned to you now in full measure by family and friends as you mourn the loss of your husband. Your cousin, Sylvia
Dear Karen, Vickie and your entire family,
So sorry to learn of the loss of your sweet brother. I know you will all miss him so much…remind yourselves often that this goodbye is really a “see you later” heaven is our promise…next time you see him, he will be completely restored to perfect health, young, handsome and ready to spend eternity with you all…next time its for keeps.
Our prayers are with you all.– may you be immersed in your memories — that they will bring many smiles and great peace.
We love the Mousel family very much. Such a wonderful and caring family. May the love of those around you provide comfort in the days ahead. Our most sincere condolences.
Gary “the mailman” was special to all who served in the 172nd. May God grant comfort to his family, his brothers in the service and all his many friends. God will welcome you home with honor my friend.
Aunt Rhonda, Michell and Lynn, Our family is so sorry to hear of your loss. We love you and we are praying for you. May you find the comfort and strength you need during this time. May you be comforted with happy memories.
Dear Lynn and Doug,
we are so sorry you have lost your Dad. We treasure the memories we had living on 49th Ave with you and your family. We offer our sincere prayers and sympathy. Peace be with you.
Dear Rhonda, Lynn and Doug,
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Though separated by geography we were able to visit when back for family in the Omaha area. A few years ago we went to Isla Mujeres/ Cancun which is where I met Gary in 1979 with Byron exploring the Yucatan. It was as if I had just seen him and we picked up where we left off as it were yesterday. Over 40 years of friendship. Will miss him and wish you comfort as we mourn Gary’s loss.
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