Gary Lee Brummels

With broken hearts but enduring faith, we share that our beloved husband and father, Gary Lee Brummels, was called home to be with the Lord on December 6, 2025, at the age of 79. While we mourn his physical absence, we take comfort in knowing his soul is at rest and his spirit is held in God’s eternal embrace.

Born on October 26, 1946 in Norfolk, NE, to Vernon and Frances (Weyhrich) Brummels, Gary was the oldest of seven children and spent his childhood on a farm north of Randolph, NE. He graduated from Randolph High School in 1965 and married the love of his life, Lynette “Lynn” Witte, that August in Idaho Falls, ID.

In 1966, Gary enlisted in the US Air Force and, ultimately, spent a year in Southeast Asia on an Air Force base during the Vietnam War. During that time, he sent Lynn a letter every week that included a card from a deck of playing cards. In his last letter of that year, he included the Queen of Hearts. Gary enrolled at Dana College in the fall of 1970 but transferred to the University of Nebraska after a year to pursue a degree in Business Administration. He graduated in 1974 and remained a lifelong Cornhusker fan, always proud to be an alumnus of UNL.

Gary enjoyed a long career in agricultural sales, logging many miles on the road and developing a gift for making conversation with just about anyone he met. But of all his roles, the one he cherished most was being a husband and father. His greatest joy was simply being with his family—sharing stories, always laughing together (usually the result of one of Gary’s many jokes or stories), watching football, and celebrating holidays and milestones side by side.

He lived a life rooted in love, family, faith, and a deep steadiness of heart. Gary was jovial (hilarious, actually) and quick to laugh. He was always ready with a joke, a funny story, or a moment of levity. Even in challenges, he remained even keeled, trusting always that God’s hand was at work, providing strength and direction. He was an incredible listener and often waited to say just the right thing at the right time. His faith was strong and lived—expressed through kindness, humility, and the quiet, consistent way he cared for others.

Though we grieve the loss of his earthly presence, we trust that he now knows perfect joy—free from pain, wrapped in God’s grace, and greeted by loved ones who went before him. We hold close the promise that we will see him again.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Lynn; his children, Grant (Andrea) Brummels and Erika (Jim) Shepherd; and his grandchildren, Bella, Evie, Gavin, and Declan. He is also survived by his mother, Frances Brummels; his siblings, Jim Brummels, Rod (Jane) Brummels, Roger (Lori) Brummels, Ed (Sandy) Brummels, Dan (Jo) Brummels and Lin Brummels; and many beloved in-laws, including his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Rod Witte, Gwen (Dave) Dickey, Doug (Pat) Witte, Connie Witte, and Brad (Laurie) Witte; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon Brummels; his sister and brother-in-law, Cheryl and Gary Meier; his parents-in-law, Ernest and Lucille Witte; and his in-laws, Cleone Witte and Greg Witte.

A service celebrating Gary’s life will be held on December 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, IA with visitation one hour prior. The service will be livestreamed click here.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future donation and condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Until we meet again, we will carry his memory, his laughter, and his love within us. His spirit lives on in the lives he touched, and we will miss him dearly, always.

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