Gary Dean Hobbie

Gary D. Hobbie, 87, of Clarion, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Clarion Church of Christ, 420 North Main Street in Clarion, with Pastor Warren Curry officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gary's name may be directed to Proem Ministries in Poland C/O Clarion Church of Christ.

Gary Dean Hobbie was born on January 13, 1939, in Hampton, Iowa, to William and Bernice Hobbie. As a young boy, Gary and his family moved to Wyoming for a short time before returning to Iowa and making their home in Clarion. He graduated from Clarion High School in 1957.

Following high school, Gary proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He served for five years before receiving an honorable discharge. After returning home, Gary founded and operated Hobbie Refrigeration for many years. He later worked for Clarion Elevator Service, managing grain care throughout Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska. He also worked at Coast to Coast Hardware in Clarion. Gary drove a school bus for Clarion schools and, following retirement, drove a bus for Mosaic in Clarion.

On May 29, 1960, Gary was united in marriage to Karen Anderson at the Methodist Church in Clarion. Together, they built a life in Clarion and raised three children: Diana, Jeff, and David.

Gary enjoyed the simple and meaningful parts of life: taking his children hunting and fishing, going on motorcycle rides, and spending summers at the family home on Lake Cornelia. Over the years, Gary and Karen also enjoyed motorcycle trips throughout the United States. He had a love for golf and appreciated the time, friendship, and enjoyment it brought him.

Gary had a special way with children. He was truly a "baby whisperer," and kids always lit up his world. His gentle nature, warm smile, and playful spirit made children feel safe, loved, and welcome. Family and friends will also remember Gary for his familiar whistling-little tunes and hymns that often followed him through the day and became part of the soundtrack of home. He loved eagles as well, admiring their strength, beauty, and freedom.

Gary was an active member of the Clarion Church of Christ, where he faithfully served as a deacon. His faith, service, love for family, and quiet strength will be remembered by all who knew him.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Hobbie; his children, Diana Hobbie (Ed James), Jeff Hobbie, and David (Jill) Hobbie; grandchildren, Jami (Jason) Schroll, William Mechem, Jessie (Bryan) Ahia, Angela (Corey) Helton, Ashley (Patrick) White, Zachary Hobbie, Chloe (Tyler) Fleetwood, and Isak Hobbie; and great-grandchildren, Morgan (Justin) White and Maison Schroll, Jace and Jade Mechem, Maximo and Madison Wilkins, Hannah and Josiah and Rebekah Cavadini (Helton), Wesley and Jacob White, and Lincoln Fleetwood.

He is also survived by his siblings, John Hobbie and Jean Hobbie, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, William and Bernice Hobbie; his sister, Ruth; and his brother, Michael.

Gary will be deeply missed for the steady love he gave his family, the joy he found in children and the outdoors, his faithful service, his whistled hymns, and the many quiet ways he made those around him feel cared for.