Gary Rozenboom

Gary Lee Rozenboom, 85, of Oskaloosa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. Gary, son of Raymond and Pauline Blanch (Odem) Rozenboom, was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, on July 21, 1939. Gary grew up in Oskaloosa and was in the 1957 graduating class from Oskaloosa High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served from June 16, 1957 to July 20, 1960. He was part of the Naval Air of the United States Navy during his service. While Gary was on leave, he married the love of his life, Janet Elaine Suiter, on December 28, 1957, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oskaloosa. They were stationed mainly in Quonset Point in Rhode Island for most of his time in the service. Upon discharge, he and Janet returned to Oskaloosa and joined Gary’s father in Rozenboom Decorating in 1960. In 1975, he purchased the business from his dad, a business he operated until 1997. Gary continued sanding and finishing hardwood floors well into his 70s, always being a perfectionist in his skill. Gary served on a variety of boards in Oskaloosa, which included the Oskaloosa City Council and City Property Tax Board of Review, was a board member of Oskaloosa Home Loan for 20 years, sat on the Daily Trust Board for 20 years, was a member of the Elks Lodge for over 50 years, and served on the First Parish Council Board of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a member of Pheasants Forever. Gary and Janet were lifelong members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where they grew in their faith and created many friendships. Gary’s greatest joy was spending time and creating memories with his family. He cherished his grandchildren and loved watching them grow. Gary’s family includes his wife of 67 years, Janet of Oskaloosa; his daughters: Teresa “Terrie” Orton of Todd, North Carolina; Lisa Meiler of Reading, Massachusetts; four grandchildren: Austin (McKenna) McCleery of Raleigh, North Carolina; Anna (Kevin) McCann of Northborough, Massachusetts; Hyden (Alicia) Meiler of Woburn, Massachusetts; Erik (Emily Bourdon) Meiler of Atlanta, Georgia; and four great-grandchildren: Ava, Carson, Madelyn, and Oliver. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved son, Scott, in infancy, and one cherished grandson, Quinn McCleery. As was his wish, Gary’s body has been cremated, and the internment of ashes will take place at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Oskaloosa.

Gary Rozenboom

July 21, 1939 - January 5, 2025