Gary W. Roberts

May 10, 1947 — December 28, 2025

Gary Roberts

Service Details

Gary Wayne Roberts, 78, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on December 28, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. Gary lived an abundant life filled with family, fishing, and faith. Gary leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a long list of people who miss him already.

Born the second of four children to A.T. and Virginia Roberts, Gary was the only son surrounded by sisters. He had a way of bringing confidence, laughter, and just the right amount of mischief to the family. As a boy, Gary was well-liked and he quickly pulled together a community of friends and accomplices. If you sat next to Gary for more than a few minutes, chances are he’d win you over with a story. Most of them were told with a boyish grin and they usually started with the words, “Now this one time….”

A lifelong East-sider, Gary graduated from Tech High School in Des Moines and began his working life alongside his father at Roberts’ Shoe Repair. Gary served six years in the Army Reserves before becoming a machinist at John Deere. Eventually, Gary followed his passion and opened Rogers Fishing and Lures, a fishing and archery store in Des Moines. In addition to competing in professional fishing tournaments (which he loved), Gary organized Tuesday night fishing tournaments through the store during the summer to foster friendly competition and lively conversations.

Without a doubt, the greatest love of Gary’s life was his best friend and soul mate, Linda Hardenbrook. Married for 59 wonderful years, they were true partners in every sense of the word. They were blessed with two beautiful children, “Irish twins”, Renee and Brad. Gary and Linda’s home was always open and over the years they welcomed family, friends, neighbors, foreign exchange students, and anyone else who needed a place to land. To Gary and Linda, family was never limited by biology and love was always in abundance.

The outdoors was one of Gary’s great sanctuaries. Whether fishing or hunting, he found joy and peace with a rod or rifle in hand. Some of his most treasured memories were made on fishing trips to Canada with his son Brad and their close friends. Those adventures were talked about for years after, and it seemed that as soon as one trip ended, Gary was already looking forward to the next!

Gary also loved reading, photography, woodworking, and any project that required patience and attention to detail. He enjoyed crafting fishing lures and, later in life, surprised everyone by discovering a love for quilting. No matter the hobby, Gary enjoyed the process just as much as the finished result.

Gary walked closely with his Heavenly Father and lived out his faith daily in small quiet ways. He walked two miles every day until the end of his life; undoubtedly, he was talking with God during those walks, giving thanks, asking questions, and sorting through the cares of life on this side of Heaven.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Linda Roberts; his son, Bradley Roberts; his sister, Reah (Doug) Adamson; sisters-in-law, Terri Akins and Lori Ann Clark; brothers-in-law, Don Hardenbrook, Ron Hardenbrook, and Randy Hardenbrook; his cherished granddaughters, Haley Roberts and Adison Roberts; his great-grandson, Archer Weidman; and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Renee Marie Roberts; his parents, A.T. and Virginia Roberts; sisters, Susan Gillette and Maria Rothmeyer; niece, Michelle (Garrett) Harmon, and nephews, Michael “Mick” Adams and Troy Johnson.

Gary Wayne Roberts lived a life anchored in faith, rich with love, and filled with adventure. His story continues in every line cast, every open door, every steady step forward, and in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him. Upon his death, it was Gary’s wish to recognize the special angels here on Earth who helped make his final days so peaceful, his niece Rhonda Gillette and Ms. Kathy Bush. Their compassionate care made it possible for Gary to spend his final days at home before joining his sweet Renee in Heaven for their long overdue Daddy-Daughter dance.

Visitation will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM, with the funeral to follow at 1:00 PM. A luncheon will be held on-site immediately following the funeral service. Memorial contributions can be made to the family.

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