In Memory of Gary E. Nystrom

Gary E. Nystrom, age 69, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Friday, May 27, 2022, at his residence of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation held prior from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 6, 2022, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Kevin J. Freese will officiate. Committal services will be held at a later date.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Gary E. Nystrom, the son of Verner and Margaret (Simonson) Nystrom, was born on November 26, 1952, in Brookings, South Dakota. He grew up on a farm a mile outside of Estelline, South Dakota and graduated from Estelline High School with the class of 1971. 

A sports fanatic, Gary enjoyed playing and coaching sports throughout his lifetime. After graduation he went on to further his education at Dakota State College where he obtained a bachelors of science in education.  He began his teaching career in Battle Creek, Iowa, where he taught shop class and was the assistant football coach.

In 1979, Gary started a career with Midwest Industries of Ida Grove, Iowa, and in the same year met the love of his life Cynthia “Cindy” Ann Hare. They were united in marriage on May 24, 1980, in the Church of God in Ida Grove, Iowa. The couple made their home in Battle Creek and were blessed with three children: Amber, Justin, and Vanessa.

After 43 years of dedicated service, Gary retired from Midwest Industries in December of 2021. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, wood working, golfing, and bird watching. In his earlier years he loved to play slow pitch, umpire baseball games, coach, bowling, and teaching. Gary was a jack of all trades and relished in the art of conversation. It is believed he was the happiest being called dad, that was until he became a grandpa. Gary treasured the title and adored his grandchildren.

Left to carry on his memory are his devoted wife of 42 years, Cindy Nystrom of Battle Creek, IA; children: Amber (Brian) Campbell of Hartley, IA, Justin Nystrom of Battle Creek, IA, and Vanessa Crotty of Fonda, IA; grandchildren: Kyler Crotty, Kallie Crotty, Owen Campbell, Maggie Campbell, and Holly Campbell; brother David (Marceen) Nystrom of Estelline, South Dakota; sister-in-law Lorry Nystrom of Ninilchik, AK; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents Verner and Margaret Nystrom; brother Jeffrey Nystrom; sister Jeanette Nystrom; many aunts, uncles, and extended family.