Gary James Blessington, age 80 of Lake View, IA, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2024, at Black Hawk Life Care Center. Gary was born April 19, 1943, to parents Marvin and Dee (Wright) Blessington in Lake City, IA. Because Marvin worked as a hired hand on the farm, Gary spent his youth living on various farms all throughout Sac Co. One of his most memorable homes was near Grant Park where he spent countless hours exploring the timber where their farm was located. He also learned how to drive tractor as a young boy and assisted with the many chores on the farm including helping to gather the cows for milking.
From Kindergarten to 3rd grade Gary attended country schools that were close to the farms that they lived on, and when the weather was good, he would walk to school. From 3rd grade through Freshman year, he attended Auburn, and he graduated school at Lake View.
When it came to work, you could say that Gary wore many hats, or was a jack of all trades, and didn’t settle in to one career path. From driving truck, to Gary’s Dairy delivering milk, to sales including golf carts and feed, he dabbled in a lot of occupations. The job he probably liked most though was driving truck. Whether it was doing gravel truck short-hauls or being gone for days in a semi-truck doing long-hauls, he really enjoyed being out on the road. During these years he also helped his Dad and Uncles doing farm field work. That work continued after retirement as he helped his son Brian.
Horses were always a part of Gary’s life. In 1964, he was one of the four founding members of the Lake Rider’s Saddle Club. He spent many years with the club participating in fun days, trail rides, camping, and of course the ride and weekend at the Dayton Rodeo. He helped to establish the club’s participation in the Pony Express Riders of Iowa to raise money for Camp Sunnyside which happens every year at Easter and still continues today.
Gary had many hobbies throughout his life. He was always a numbers guy and playing cards was a natural past time among friends and family. Gary was also known for his singing talents. In high school he won awards for his vocals, and all through his life he sang at events and wasn’t shy about getting up for karaoke. But his two main passion hobbies were stock car racing and tractor rides. Gary spent a lot of time helping his son Brian work on his stock car on and off the track and took pride in watching him race. Gary also found great joy in riding tractors whether it was working on the farm, joining a group ride, or simply going around the lake.
Those left to cherish his memory include Life Partner Betty Wessman of Lake View, IA; children, Brian (Elizabeth) Blessington of Breda, IA, and Jacque Blessington of Kansas City, MO; sister, Linda (Bill) Eichhorn; step-sons Todd and Jesse Wolfe and families; nieces and nephew: Christy (Dale) Boeckman, Scott (Kerri) Eichhorn, Jodi (Chris) Grote and families; extended family: Tammy Smith, Kim (Keith) Pudenz, Jim (Tammy) Wessman and families; other extended family members, friends, and his grandpup ‘JJ’.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Delores (Dee) Blessington; and second wife Vicki Blessington.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS donations can be made to Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside:
https://secure.easterseals.com/site/Donation or can be sent to the family and they will send to Camp Sunnyside in Gary's memory.
