Gari J. McDermott

Gari J. McDermott, 83, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on December 24, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday January 7, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A wake service will begin at 3:45 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday January 8, 2025, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Rev. Steven Rosonke. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #6. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque.

Gari was born on February 8, 1941, in Dubuque, IA, son of Carl and Camilla (Fitzpatrick) McDermott. He grew up alongside his cousins Jeff and Danny Sommers. The three of them were very close. He graduated from Loras Academy in Dubuque in 1959. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1963-1966. He was married to Judith Palmer for 33 years, and together they had five kids before going their separate ways.

He worked for Northwestern Bell phone company for over 25 years. Gari was a simple man who was a jack-of-all-trades. He enjoyed staying busy and tackling any project that came his way, whether it was repairing a house or fixing a car. “If you want it done right, you got to do it yourself!” He also enjoyed relaxing and watching his television, especially when his beloved Green Bay Packers were playing.

Gari is survived by his children Beth McDermott of Chicago, IL, Jeff McDermott and Shawn McDermott of Dubuque, Russ McDermott of Dickeyville, WI, and Daniel McDermott of St. Paul, MN, two grandchildren Garrett and Calla McDermott of St. Paul, MN; cousin Jeff (Loretta) Sommers; nine nieces and nephews of the Egan family including Kris, Greg (Megan), Angie Olds, Kevin, Mike, Julie (Andy) Willenborg, Ron, Amy (Brad) Blum, Erin (Tim) Sprengelmeyer, and numerous great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, paternal grandparents John & Margaret (Casey) McDermott and maternal grandparents Harold “Hal” & Clara (Slattery) Fitzpatrick; aunt Adeline Sommers-Sweeney, sister Gloriann (Patrick) Egan, niece Laura (Egan) Heiderscheit, great niece Faith Willenborg, and cousin Danny Sommers.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, MercyOne, and Stonehill Care Center for all of their care of dad.

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