Earl W. Crary

Earl W. Crary, 66, of Garnavillo, passed away Monday, June 24, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a 10-year battle with cancer.
Earl was born on Dec. 8, 1957, and was raised in St. Olaf on the Crary Farmstead. Earl married JoAnn (Fangman) on Aug. 28, 1982, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elkader. Together, they raised five children.
Earl worked as an auto mechanic and as an over the road truck driver. Earl was a fun loving guy who usually had a mischievous smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye. Earl loved being around his friends and family, especially his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Earl loved deer hunting, telling stories, going on UTV rides, driving his 1964 Dodge Dart convertible, helping others, picking on everyone around him and holding the annual Crary Fourth of July party where everyone and anyone was welcome.
Earl is survived by his wife of 42 years, JoAnn; and his five children, Jennifer (Scott) Melgosa, Prairie du Chien, Wis.; William Crary, Cedar Rapids; Madesta Crary, Cedar Rapids; Brad (Leah) Crary, Garnavillo; and Angela (Blake) Rowland, Cedar Rapids. Earl is also survived by his sister, Jennie Lou (Wayne) Bender; brothers, Art (Donna) Crary and Avery (Kathy) Crary; sister-in-law, Barb Crary; mother-in-law, Patrica Fangman; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Earl was preceeded in death by his grandparents; his parents, Edward and Margret Crary; brother, Douglas A. Crary; grandson, Matthew Crary; and father-in-law, Bernard Fangman.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, July 5, at Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo, where a memorial service will commence at 1 p.m. Pastor Paul Losik will officiate.
Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased), 207 S. First St., Guttenberg, IA 52052.