Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
On Thursday, April 23, 2026 our dear loved one, Gary L. Urban of Waterloo, took his fishing boat, fishing gear, his favorite fishing pole and reel and went to Heaven’s fishing hole, just like his brother Don. Gary was born on October 30, 1939 in Waterloo, the son of Peter and Luella (Meier) Urban.
Gary graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1958 and attended UNI for a few years.
He married Karen Ann Myers June 15, 1984 in Waterloo, she preceded him in death February 1, 2016.
He worked at John Deere for 32 years, retiring in 1992 and was a member of UAW Local 838. For a short time, he wrote articles for the Waterloo Courier about the Great Outdoors.
Gary loved the outdoors. He was a passionate fisherman and bow hunter. He also was a champion archer, receiving numerous trophies and awards.
Gary is survived by: two daughters, Lee Ann Urban of North Padre Island, Texas, and Jennifer Eggerton of Tucson, Arizona; step-daughter, Mindi (Terry) Trotter of Waterloo; two grandchildren, Alyssa Urban, and Dale “Buddy” Urban; three great-grandchildren, Emma and Olivia McLemore, and Jackson Urban; sister, Linda Bartling of Denver; and sister-in-law, Janette “Jan” (Elton “Pete”) Peterson of Cedar Falls; and brother-in-law, James “Jim” Myers.
Gary is preceded in death by his wife, Karen; son, Joshua Urban in infancy; his parents; and brother, Don Urban.
Gary’s family would like to acknowledge Harmony of Waterloo. After his diagnosis of dementia, he received compassionate care from all the staff and nurses.
A family directed Celebration of Life will be held at the Waterloo Becker Chapman American Legion Post #138, 728 Commercial Ave., Waterloo, Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
Burial: Garden of Memories Cemetery, Waterloo.
Memorials may be directed to the family
Locke at Tower Park is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com
Celebration of Life
May 30, 2026
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
American Legion Becker-Chapman Post #138
728 Commercial St., Waterloo, IA
He’s my Dad.
He taught me to hunt and fish.
He taught me how to live off the land.
He taught me to respect Wildlife and to only take what is needed.
He taught me how to find my way home using my internal navigation.
He taught me how to use my watch as a compass.
We spent time in the woods target shooting.
He was a great cook.
He made the best pork tenderloins and onion rings, his pizza rolls were amazing and he introduced us to a variety of wild meat.
We hunted morrells together.
He was a master creating his own jigs, pouring sinkers, making his own arrows and would refill his own bullet casings.
I would spend hours watching him and I loved every moment.
He was meticulous in the care of his weapons.
He was skilled and very intelligent.
His deer stand and the Mississippi were the places where he found the reflective moments he needed.
He did exceptional leather work and his deer hides were stunning.
He adored his little dog Cuddles who provided him with the emotional support and unconditional love that we all deserve to have in this life.
He gave me my Jiu Jitsu skills, he was a champion wrestler.
He LOVED Elvis.
He was also a child who suffered horrible abuse from a brutal tyrannical Father.
He did a remarkable job showing restraint during my childhood while he wrestled with those demons.
I have no doubt that my desire to fight for the UnderDog and rebel against injustice comes from a deep place of love and empathy that I had (and have) for my father.
He was a good man who did his very best.
We both did our very best.
I am proud of him.
I love him.
He was the most important man in this little girl’s life.
You live in my heart forever.
I love you so very much, Daddy.
No one will ever hurt you again.
☀️ Let Love and Light surround you, to heal you and make you whole again.
💔🥲
My sister, Lee Ann, and I are the blessed bundles of joy from his first marriage to Athelin Ann Cobb. My sister has done a phenomenal job at telling his story as the amazing human being and Dad that he was. There are so many other heartwarming stories we both have about him. His little Bang Bang (that’s me) will miss him, but he will always be with me on every Jeep adventure. Thank you for being my Dad and my friend and for sharing your wild and free spirit with me.
Jennifer