A Funeral Service for Gary Eakin, age 88, of Spirit Lake, was held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Crosswinds Church in Spirit Lake. Interment was at Lakeview Cemetery in Spirit Lake.
Gary Neil Eakin passed away peacefully at his home on July 5, 2026, on his farm in Spirit Lake, IA. He was born to Neil and Mildred Eakin in Sibley, IA, on June 13, 1938.
Gary graduated from Sibley High School in 1956. He attended Bethel Seminary to pursue a path in missions, then graduated from Iowa State University with degrees in agronomy and education. He later renewed and extended his teaching license at Minnesota State in Mankato, MN, and taught math and science in Iowa public secondary schools for 22 years.
His parents purchased a farm in Spirit Lake, IA, in 1967. From that time on, he helped his father farm the land in addition to teaching.
Gary enjoyed riding his BMW “/2” across the country with a group of friends. In his 60s, he rode a 10-speed bike from Spirit Lake to Mille Lacs Lake on his own. He loved walking across the countryside, gardening, being on the farm, and spending winters in Alamo, TX. He enjoyed adult bible study and playing the saxophone at church and in his Texas RV park. Gary enjoyed playing pool with friends in Spirit Lake and at the RV park in Texas. He competed in pool tournaments and won competitions over the years. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially fishing, and took several Canadian fishing trips throughout his life. Gary attended the First Baptist Church in Sibley, IA, while growing up, and later Crosswinds Church in Spirit Lake, IA.
In Gary’s later years, God blessed him with a wonderful Christian wife, Karen. It was the first marriage for them both.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his dear sister, Sandra. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen; his niece, Robin and her husband Greg Elser; his great-nieces, Coral and Rachel Elser; and great-nephew, Jacob Elser.
One of Gary’s favorite Bible verses is something that Jesus said in John 6:40: “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Turner Jenness Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
