Gary Dean Crees

Gary Dean Crees, 82 passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, at Methodist Hospital surrounded by his family who loved him so deeply. He was born on August 16,1943, in Des Moines, Iowa. Gary was the fourth of six children born to Vaughn and Veletta (Norman) Crees. Gary was a proud South sider who graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961. After high school he went to work on his grandparents' farm in Decatur County. Gary met the love of his life Connie Brown in Leon, Iowa. On April 27, 1968, they were joined together in marriage and remained married for 57 years. They raised three children, Michelle, Debbie, and Gary Dean.

Gary was a 60-year lifetime member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Union Local 3 Iowa. Gary started with the BAC working for Forrest & Associates in 1973, where he worked for 26 years until he became the President of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union Local 3 Iowa in 1999. Gary served as President for nine years until he decided to retire in 2008.

Gary and Connie bought 72 acres in New Virginia, Iowa where he was passionate about farming and hunting. But his true love was his family. Gary was a very proud father, his grand kids were his pride, and his great grand daughters were his joy.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Connie, two daughters Michelle (Jerred) Veverka, Debbie Comito, and son Gary Dean (Teresa) Crees Jr. His grandchildren Christopher (Rachel) Comito, Blake (Mackenzie) Comito, Rilee Johnson, Spencer Crees, Mia Comito, Owen Johnson, and Camdyn Crees. Great granddaughters Saige Comito, Aileen Crees, and Gentry Comito. Brother Carl Crees, sister Valerie (Sam) Touzani, sister-in-law Sharon Crees, and brother-in-law Jack Roth. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Carolyn Scott, brother Forrest Crees, sister Vanita Roth, and sister-in-law Judy Crees.

A small private ceremony will be shared with his family.