Gary E. Sawin, age 86, of Oto, Iowa, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at his residence in Oto, Iowa.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation held prior from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Anthon, Iowa. Father Michael J. Erpelding will officiate. Inurnment will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Oto, Iowa.
The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Anthon & Mapleton, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com
Gary Edward Sawin was welcomed into the world on January 28, 1940, by his parents, Willerd and Helen (Gothier) Sawin. From a young age, it was clear that Gary was a man of the land destined to farm and to care for God’s creation through his deep commitment to conservation.
Gary grew up on the family farm in the Anthon-Oto, Iowa area, where his lifelong knowledge of farming and the outdoors began. He attended school in Anthon and graduated from Anthon High School with the class of 1958. On December 29, 1960, Gary married the love of his life and true soulmate, Karen Nielsen, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Anthon.
Together, Gary and Karen built a life on the family’s century farm, where they raised their two children, daughter Jana and son Aaron. Farming was not just Gary’s livelihood, but his passion. Beyond the fields, he generously gave his time to the Woodbury County Conservation Board and shared his love of nature by educating children at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center’s outdoor classroom. Gary also served on the WiaTel Board, was well known for frying fish at local fundraisers, and delighted many with his “Gary’s Famous Beans.”
Gary will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, his dedication to farming, and his love of fishing, hunting, and the great outdoors. He also enjoyed lapidary work and rock hunting, a hobby that reflected his deep appreciation for the natural world. Above all, he will be cherished for his unwavering love for his family and the land he so faithfully tended.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Willerd and Helen Sawin.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 65 years, Karen Sawin of Oto, IA; children, Jana Sawin of Anthon, IA and Aaron (Maryann) Sawin of Lincoln, NE; granddaughter, Autumn (Kevin) Bruning of Des Moines, IA; great granddaughter, Lydia Bruning; sisters, Mary Ellen, Kathleen, Gloria, and Valerie; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Upcoming Events
Visitation
11
May
400 East Randolph Street
Anthon, IA 51004
Memorial Service
11
May
400 East Randolph Street
Anthon, IA 51004
