Gary A. Surbaugh

Gary A. Surbaugh, 68, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on Friday, October 29, 2010 after a 7-year battle with melanoma. Visitation will be Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010 from 5 – 8 PM at Dunn’s Chapel, 2121 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA. Memorial services will be 11 AM, Wednesday, Nov. 3 at Dunn’s followed by a luncheon.

Gary was born in Des Moines on February 8, 1942 and was the son of LaVera Barnes and Charles A. Surbaugh. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1960, was a committed southsider, and LHS alumnus.

After graduation from Drake University, Gary enjoyed a 37-year career with Tension Envelope Corp, beginning as a sales trainee in 1966 in Des Moines and moving to Kansas City in 1992 as VP of Sales. One of Gary’s greatest satisfactions was mentoring sales people and seeing their success.

Gary is survived by his wife of 46 years Sherie; two sons, Steve (Esther), San Antonio, TX; Alan (Jeannie Lee), Las Vegas, NV; granddaughter Soledad Surbaugh, San Antonio, TX; two brothers, Roger Surbaugh, El Paso, TX and Tim Cunningham (Robin Kuhns-Cunningham), Granger, IA; as well as an aunt, uncle and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Joseph Cunningham, and sister-in-law Elaine Surbaugh.

Gary had an affinity for cars and took pleasure in helping others find just the right car. He valued friends, enjoyed tennis and golf, and most of all, loved his family. Gary will be missed by many.

The family wishes to thank Lisa Kottschade, CNP; Dr. Svetomir Markovic; Dr. Roger Weenig and many others at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN who added years to his life.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Mayo Clinic for melanoma research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 or to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, 1200 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145. Inurnment will be at a later date.