Gary James Van Gilst, 81, of Newton, died Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, at his home. A private family burial will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Newton, at a later date. Memorials in Gary’s name (checks made payable to Lesa Chedester) may be left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home.
Gary, the son of J. Clair and Vera (Welch) Van Gilst, was born Aug. 2, 1941, in Newton. He graduated from Newton High School in 1959. Gary worked as a truck driver and mechanic. Gary was a member of Newton Elks Lodge 1270 and a Mason, and he enjoyed all forms of motor sports.
Gary is survived by his daughters Lesa (Steve) Chedester of Newton and Jeni Wickliff (Dave Thomasson) of Newton; stepchildren Paula (Zane) Thompson of Grinnell and Brian (Danielle) Cool of Leawood, KS; sister Serana Means (Michael Thompson) of Killduff; partner Ada Cormeny of Newton; seven grand-children; four great-grandchildren; and close friend Bill Udelhoven of Newton.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Brice Udelhoven in 2020; wife Karen Van Gilst in February 2011; and brother-in-law Ben Means in 2002.
