Gary Crosby
Gary Neil Crosby, 75 of Fort Dodge, Iowa passed away on November 10, 2025. Born on June 4,1950 in Sisseton, South Dakota to George and Gladyce (Nelson) Crosby. Gary grew up alongside his sibling Mary P. Crosby, Arlington, Virginia, who survives him. He graduated from South Dakota State University in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy. While there, he proudly participated in ROTC and became a lifetime member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, affiliations he spoke of warmly and occasionally with a smirk.
On June 23rd, 1979, Gary married Mary Heck. For the next 46 years they built a life anchored in humor, partnership and mutual patience, though Gary likely claimed his patience “exceeded industry standards”. Together they raised two children, Amanda Crosby (Greg Simmons) of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Jordan Crosby (Teila) of Austin, Texas. His grandchildren Chloe and Luca Crosby, who brought him immeasurable joy.
Gary began his pharmacy career at Disco Drug in 1974 and purchased the business in 1984. He faithfully supported the Fort Dodge community until his retirement in 2012. After retiring from public pharmacy, he continued contributing his expertise in medication at JRG Livestock and Pet Supply, where he happily assisted with local livestock.
Gary’s hobbies were a true reflection of his personality; loyal, curious and just particular enough to make his family smile. He was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye basketball and football fan. He could be found most Fall Saturdays, offering spirited commentary from his living room or his cherished seat at Kinnick Stadium. An avid reader, especially drawn to the storytelling of Stephen King, appreciating the author’s talent for suspense and being just a little unnerved before bedtime.
Gary had a lifelong appreciation for cars, particularly his Impala Super Sports, he enjoyed the camaraderie of car shows and conversations about chrome, horsepower and engines. As Gary settled into retirement, Iowa Public Television and regular movie dates with Mary became a familiar part of his day.
Gary is reunited in passing with his parents, George and Gladyce, his siblings Joseph Crosby and Natalie Crosby and his in-laws John and Mildred Heck.
Gary will be remembered for many things: his impeccable timing, his legendary one-liners, his dry humor and a vocabulary expansive enough to require a quick dictionary check. But most of all, he will be remembered for his kindness and his steady patience with all he encountered.
Visitation and celebration of Gary’s life are pending and will be announced at a later date. Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services are entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers or donations the family asks that you honor Gary by extending patience and kindness to others, virtues he displayed with remarkable ease and constancy.