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Gary Bolar, 84, of Marshalltown, IA passed away Saturday, November 7, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, IA surrounded by his family. A memorial visitation celebrating Gary's life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Elmwood Country Club in Marshalltown. Anderson Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Gary was born on January 4, 1942, in Marshalltown, IA, the son of Leon and Ardyth (Barker) Bolar. He grew up in Marshalltown and graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1960.
An exceptionally talented athlete, Gary excelled on the baseball diamond during his high school years, earning First Team All-State honors three times as a pitcher for the Marshalltown Bobcats. His remarkable pitching abilities earned him a place in school history, where he continues to hold the record for the most strikeouts in a single season. Following high school, Gary was offered an opportunity to play professional baseball in the Minnesota Twins farm system.
Gary was united in marriage to Jacki Lansinger on January 8,1966 in Omaha, NE. Gary began his working career at Lennox Industries. Throughout his professional career, Gary worked in sales, spending many years in the corrugated packaging industry with several companies, most recently with Marshalltown Packaging until his retirement.
While baseball was an important part of Gary's younger years, his love of sports continued throughout his life. He enjoyed playing both fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball for many years, but it was the game of golf that became one of his greatest passions. A talented golfer with a beautiful swing and a tremendous understanding of the game, Gary enjoyed not only playing but also sharing his knowledge and helping others improve their skills. He was a longtime member of Elmwood Country Club and also enjoyed golfing at the American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown. Whether competing on the course, offering advice on someone's swing, or simply enjoying the camaraderie of fellow golfers, Gary's appreciation for the game was evident to all who knew him.
Gary will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 60 years, Jacki, his five children, Michael (Joan) Yon of Naples, FL, Joel (Sherri) Bolar of Cedar Rapids, IA, Paige (Blake) Rhodes of Greenwood Village, CO, Todd Bolar of Marshalltown, IA, Alison (Dennis) Noe of Tama, IA; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his sister, Kristie Lee Bolar of Gig Harbor, WA.