Gary Lee Mozena

Gary Lee Mozena, age 75, of Bayard, IA, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Panora Specialty Care Center in Panora, IA.

A graveside service will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, June 19, 2026 at Willow Township Cemetery near Bayard. Military honors will be conducted by the Bayard American Legion and the Iowa National Guard.

A Celebration of Life Reception will follow the graveside service at the Coon Rapids American Legion.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Gary’s family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com

Gary was born on August 16, 1950 in Manning, IA, and he was the son of Max M. and Vera L. (Fick) Mozena. Gary was a lifelong resident of Bayard where he graduated from high school. He was drafted into the United States Army and served two years during the Vietnam Conflict. Following his military service Gary returned to Bayard and married his high school sweetheart, Sheryl Hilgenberg, on August 25, 1972 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Over the years, Gary worked telecommunications, the Garst Seed Company, and Poet Bio Processing. He enjoyed trips to the casino to play Hold Em, golfing, fishing, hunting, socializing on his porch with friends, driving in his truck with his dog Max, and being the best Grandpa and Great-Grandpa ever.

Gary is survived by two daughters: April (Andy) Seydel of Urbandale, IA and Cindy (Zech) James of Adel; six grandchildren: Tre (Rebecca) Waite, Ashlen Waite, Sheldyn (Jordan) Waite, Ethan Seydel, Ebon Seydel, Justin Waite; a brother Tommy Mozena of Bayard; brothers and sisters-in-law: Steve (Lori) Hilgenberg of Bayard, IA; Bryan (Zavette) Hilgenberg of Jefferson, IA; Craig (Monica) Hilgenberg of Cedar Rapids, IA; Cindy Harrison of Adel, IA; and Unsong Hilgenberg of Panama City, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife Sheryl in 2022; his parents; his in-laws: Marian and Glenn Hilgenberg; a son-in-law Chris Waite; two brothers-in-law Brad Harrison and Bradley Hilgenberg; and a niece Karli Hilgenberg.