Gary Lloyd Boyle was born on June 23, 1942, in Postville, Iowa, the only son of Floyd and Wilma Boyle of Elgin. The family later moved to Waterloo, where Gary attended West Junior High and graduated from West High School.

From an early age, Gary developed a passion for horse, competing in local rodeo barrel racing events and even tried his hand at bull riding.

An avid reader, he had a lifelong fondness for Western literature and collected and read countless works by Louis L’Amour.

Music was a defining element of Gary’s life. An accomplished guitarist, he performed with many bands across the Midwest. It was during a performance at the Playmore Ballroom in Rochester, Minnesota, that he met his future wife, Herta, who was attending dental hygienist school at the time.

Gary and Herta were united in marriage on September 21, 1963. They were blessed with three sons: David and Don, born in June 1964, and Joe, born in February 1969.

Following high school, Gary began his career as a welder and later worked at Waterloo Industries. He became a long-haul semi-truck driver before changing to local routes that allowed him to be home each evening. Gary retired in 2011 after many years of dedicated service driving for Wonder Bread.

In 1991, Gary and Herta welcomed a beloved dog named Rascal into their home, who quickly became a cherished member family companion.

Prior to retirement, Gary and Herta purchased an RV and enjoyed traveling across the United States. They eventually settled at Hidden Valley RV Park in Mission, Texas, during the winter months and spent their summers at Deerwood Park. Following Herta’s passing in 2012, Gary became a permanent resident of Texas, embracing his role as “The Ole Texan.”

In April 2025, Gary returned to Iowa and made his home in Cedar Falls.

Gary deeply valued his family and friends and maintained his lifelong passion for playing guitar. He also enjoyed playing pool, golfing, and telling entertaining stories. He was admired for his sense of humor and warm, welcoming presence. He will be greatly missed by everyone who who knew him.

Gary passed away on September 27, 2026, at Friendship Village in Waterloo, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Herta.  He is survived by his three sons: David (Chandar) Boyle of Cedar Falls, Don (Julie) Boyle of Janesville, and Joe (Tracey) Boyle of Cedar Falls, along with nine grandchildren.

Memorial Contributions

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family