Gary L. Newell

Gary L. Newell, 89, of Humboldt, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 15, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Arden H. and Opal (Hoffman) Newell.  He grew up on the family farm near Woodward and graduated from Woodward Independent High School in 1952.  He was united in marriage to Barbara McMorris on December 18, 1955 in Woodward.  The couple made their home in Des Moines and Woodward until Gary graduated from Drake University.     Gary taught and coached in the Woodward-Granger Community School until 1967 when he and his family moved to Humboldt.  Gary was the high school social studies teacher and coach for twenty-six years with the Humboldt Community Schools, he also served as the school’s athletic and activities director from 1985 – 1987, retiring from teaching in 1995.  Gary coached many young people in his years at Humboldt and made a lasting impression that earned him respect from students throughout the many years.

Mr. Newell was a member of Faith United Methodist Church and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.  He was a past member of the National Education Association, Iowa State Education Association, Humboldt Education Association and Humboldt County ARC.  He was an active member of the National “D” Club and a lifelong participant in numerous athletic activities.  He enjoyed fishing and was passionate about gardening and sharing the harvest with friends and neighbors

Gary is survived by his sons and daughter’s-in-law, Thomas and Lisa (Samuels) Newell of San Clemente, California and Brian and Anne (Lundberg) Newell of Fort Dodge; brother, Thomas (Judy) Newell of Urbandale, sister, Nancy (Alvin) Barclay of Woodward and step-sister, Pat (Charlie) Porter of Waukee; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his son Kenton, his parents, step-mother Lorraine Newell, step-brothers, Jim and Ronald Day and his step-sister Norma Broderick.