Gary Paul Jansen

Gary Paul Jansen, 80, of Davenport, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha, Iowa. 

Gary was born on July 17, 1943, in Davenport, son of Harold and Charlotte (Schulte) Jansen. He graduated from Assumption High School in 1961 and attended St. Ambrose College. Gary proudly served in the Navy during the Vietnam War earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, and Vietnam Campaign Medal (with device). 

Gary was united in marriage to Carol Lehman on August 10, 1968, at Holy Family Catholic Church and they had six children born to this union.

Gary began his career at J.I. Case and in car sales before transitioning to the insurance industry primarily with NY Life, Equitable Life, and John Deere Insurance. He later owned his own Allstate Insurance branch in Bettendorf. 

Gary loved to play the piano and had countless pieces of sheet music. He also enjoyed movies especially with popcorn and Diet Pepsi, and loved recording his family's activities with his large handheld camcorder. In addition to being a history buff, he could name any car by sight due to his great love of classic cars. Gary always regretted selling his 1964 ½ white Ford Mustang. He enjoyed making people laugh, had a way of lighting up the room with his contagious smile, and was known for his “dad jokes.” Gary also cherished his time with family and his lunches with lifelong friends.

Those left to honor his memory are his children: Mark (Shannon) Jansen, Morehead City, North Carolina, Elizabeth (Benjamin) John, Madison, Wisconsin, Katherine (Ryan) Quamme, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, Peter (Pamela) Jansen, Ormond Beach, Florida, and Matthew (Megan) Jansen, Hiawatha, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Jamie Bennett, El Dorado, California; grandchildren: Amanda (Anthony) Bergamini and Lauren Jansen, Natalie, Davis, and Gable Jansen, Samuel and Emily Wright, Aidan and Dylan John, Beckham and Nolan Quamme, Abigail and Luke Jansen, and Clark, Benjamin, and Anthony Jansen; siblings: Rudy (Helen) Jansen, Gregg (Linda) Jansen, Mike (Beth) Jansen, and Richard (Mona) Jansen; many nieces and nephews, and his significant other, Denise Eilers, Davenport. 

Gary was preceded in death by his son, Paul Jansen, his parents, brother, Thomas Jansen, and nephews, Grant, Adam, and Richie. May they rest in peace.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4097 – 18th Street, Bettendorf. Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. The Burial will follow at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. A luncheon to celebrate Gary’s life will be held at St. John Vianney following the burial.

We are incredibly thankful for the care he received at Good Samaritan, Genesis, and Oldorf Hospice House. 

Memorial donations are suggested to the Bettendorf Veterans Memorial. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.