Gary Ray Vander Heyden of Belle Plaine, Iowa, passed away Monday, September 30, 2024 at the age of seventy-six. Cherished son of the late Charles and the late Florence Vander Heyden, beloved brother and brother-in-law of the late Sandra Hartin and Edwin Hartin, loving uncle to Heather (Brett) Cothran, Monica (Charles) Nicastro, and Brennan (Gina) Hartin, and cherished great-uncle to their children Elodie Doyle, Mia, Alexandra, and Ava Nicastro, and Johanna Hartin. A long time resident of Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama, Iowa, he was much loved by the staff and residents who knew him, and a good friend to many, especially Gary Formanek.

Gary was a hard worker who served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, and held many jobs throughout his lifetime, including at the Tama Meat Packing Plant and the Meskwaki Bingo Casino. He was larger-than-life in stature, with a heart to match. To know Gary was to love and admire his warmth, humor and sharp wit, zest for life, and deep devotion and loyalty to those he cared about. Always humble, he never sought the spotlight, and never asked for more than to spend time with those he loved.

To his nieces and nephew, Gary was generous well beyond his means and always relished his role as the "fun Uncle".  A day spent with Gary was always full of laughs and outward love. Gary was especially close with his mother Florence and his sister Sandy, and although his loss will leave a hole in all those he left behind, the family takes comfort in knowing he is reunited with them once more.

Services will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church in Belle Plaine, IA, on Monday, October 14th. A short visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30am with a funeral mass at 10:30am. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Belle Plaine. Flowers may be sent to Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Home in Belle Plaine, IA.