Gary Wesley Whitsell, 76, of Chelsea, Iowa went to be with the Lord on May 4th, 2025, at his home and farm surrounded with love by his family.

A visitation will be held from 4pm-7pm on Wednesday May 7th, and a funeral at 10am on Thursday May 8th with a graveside service and luncheon to follow. All events will be held at Madison Church of Christ in Brooklyn, Iowa with the graveside service at Rector Cemetery in Chelsea, Iowa.

Gary was born on March 9th, 1949, to Wesley and Elsie (Bistline) Whitsell. He attended the Country School near his home until 4th grade, later graduating from Brooklyn Guernsey Malcom High School in 1967. After high school, Gary enlisted and served in the Army Reserves Infantry for four years and began working and building his family farm in Chelsea.

Gary married Kathleen Kriegel on August 31st, 1991, in Grinnell, Iowa. They lived their life together on their farm growing corn, soybeans, and hay and raising pigs and cattle with Kathy's three children and many dogs and cats.

Gary was a devoted member of Grinnell Christian Church and then Madison Church of Christ serving as an elder and Sunday school teacher for many years. He was devoted to his faith and lived to serve the Lord in all ways, including several missions across the world and by living a life of service and devotion. He also served on the Four County Co-op Board, Poweshiek Rural Water Board, Poweshiek County FSA Board, as a Madison Township Trustee, a member of the Brooklyn VFW Post 294 and Sons of the American Legion.

Gary enjoyed farming, camping, biking, and spending time with family. He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren excel in their activities and celebrated all of their successes with such pride and joy. Gary was a friend to all and was always the first to lend a helping hand or a kind word of advice. He was truly the rock of his family and will be deeply missed.

Gary is survived by the love of his life Kathleen Whitsell; stepchildren, Brian Jack of Brooklyn, Iowa, Kristy (Shaun) Baarda of Sully, Iowa, and Stephanie (Floyd) Campbell of Kellogg, Iowa; his seven grandchildren Blake (Allie) Jack, Dalton (Ruth) Jack, Lindsay (Chase) Dykstra, Randy Jack, Korie Campbell (Aiden Monce), Brooke Baarda (Jesse Lasik), and Kenleigh Jack; four great grandchildren with one on the way; brother, Harold Whitsell; nieces, Kristine (Derek) Weis and Susan (Phil) Harberts; and his best buddy Maizee who never left his side, along with many other family members and friends.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Elsie Whitsell; his sister in-law, Connie Whitsell; niece, Diane Whitsell and several other loved ones.