Gary L Sissel

Gary Lee Sissel, 77, of Naples, FL and West Des Moines, IA, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Avow Hospice, in Naples, Florida. A private service was held at Davenport Memorial Park Mausoleum.

The son of Forrest and Emma (Herman) Sissel. Gary was born on April 23, 1948, in Davenport, Iowa. Gary was married to his cherished wife Carole (Torkowski) for 52 remarkable years. He found his greatest joy and ever deepening love being together with his family, with a thrill in their happiness as well as an immense pride in their accomplishments. Gary and Carole were blessed with three wonderful children: Anne Elizabeth, Scott (Anne Kristin), and Andrew (Caitlin) and four adoring grandchildren: Carson, Ethan, Dylan and William. Gary had one brother, Dennis (Sally) and two nephews, Steven and Michael.

Gary graduated from the University of Iowa and earned a Juris Doctorate (with Honors) from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1973. Following graduation, Gary practiced law with Stevens, Glodfelty & Roeder and as Assistant Scott County Attorney. ln 1988, Gary became a partner of Bozeman, Neighbour, Patton & Noe LLP until his retirement in 2017, where he served clients ranging from large, publicly-traded corporations, to closely and privately held businesses and to families in their estate planning.

Gary served as President and Member of the Board of Directors of the Riverbend Food Bank where he led the move and development of the current Food Bank, expanding from 24,000 square feet in Moline, Illinois, to 74,000 square feet in Davenport, Iowa.

With a deep, abiding faith and trust in God, Gary was conferred a 33rd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Gary served as: Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Iowa Scottish Rite, Sovereign Grand Secretary of the Scottish Rite Supreme Council in Washington D.C. and was a founder and Second Worshipful Master of Brubaker Lodge #275. As a reflection of this dedication, sincere commitment and service to the community, Gary led the development of the new Masonic Center in Davenport.

Throughout the years, Gary pursued his interest in automobiles and boating, architecture and music, model trains and ships, and stock market news. With an ever-present sense of humor, storytelling and ever-expanding knowledge, Gary shared these interests with close communities of his “buddies”. He truly cherished the friendships built throughout his lifetime.

Memorials may be directed to the Quad Cities Food Bank or the Iowa Scottish Rite Masonic Foundation. Online condolences may be expressed at www.weertsfh.com.