Date of Death: July 31, 2025
Service Details
Private graveside services will be held at Riverside Cemetery.
Obituary Notice
Reverend Gary Lee Carr
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and Faithful Shepherd
Reverend Gary Carr, a devoted servant of God and a cornerstone of his family and community, passed away peacefully into God’s open arms on July 31, 2025, at the age of 79. His life was marked by unwavering faith, deep compassion, and selfless service, leaving an enduring legacy as a husband, father, pastor, mentor, and friend.
Gary was born on June 7, 1946 and raised on a farm in Fort Dodge, Iowa, he answered God’s call early in life. He graduated from Olivet Nazarene University and earned his degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary, preparing for nearly five decades of pastoral ministry.
Together with his beloved wife, Jan, they faithfully served five congregations over 48 years—two in Iowa, two in the Chicago area, and one in Michigan. This year, Gary and Jan celebrated 60 years of marriage, a beautiful testament to their love, partnership, and shared calling.
Gary was a loving and devoted father to his daughters, Jori (Toby) and Gretta (Mark) and a proud grandfather to Bryce (Annan), Jayley (Zach), Brenna (Tyler), and Jazlyn (Vincent). He was a great-grandfather to Rueben, Wellington, Jude, and Duke, and his legacy will live on through their lives.
Pastor Carr was known for his kind spirit, generous heart, and steady faith. As a shepherd, he led with humility and grace—always offering a listening ear, wise counsel, and Christlike love. He shaped lives from the pulpit and in everyday moments, never seeking recognition, but always pointing others to God.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him but forever remembered for the love he gave, the truth he preached, and the quiet strength of his faith.
Additional Information
Donations in Pastor Carr’s memory may be directed to his favorite mission project, Noah’s FARM. The project was started in 2007 by Gary’s sister Lane and husband Les Thomsen. In the last 18 years they have helped plant 37 Nazarene churches in Zimbabwe, Africa. Envelopes will be available at Hohner Funeral Home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding.
Your description of Pastor Carr is exactly the way he was and is. Early in my ministry he took me fishing at the Corey Lake. He introduced me to wax worms. I think we caught a lot of fish that day but what helped me more was just who Pastor Carr was and is. He was an encouragement to me always. It was if he knew right were I was at inside of myself, what I was thinking and feeling. If I could choose a pastor for myself, I would choose Pastor Carr. His tenderness for people and love for His Lord were unmistakable. I could see Jesus in him. Thank you Pastor Carr! God continue to be with you all.
Reverend Carr was a very special individual. I remember him well from the Corey Nazarene Church. Also, when he officiated at my parents’ 50th Anniversary, Luvergne & Sadie Isaac. That was a special day. Then he was there again when my Mother passed away in 1989, when my Father remarried in 1991 and when he passed away in 2011. Reverend Carr will always have a special place in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jan and Family but he is in a glorious place now forever. With Sincere Sympathy to all.
Reverend Carr has a special place in my life. He lived across the street from my parents on Kerr Creek road. He would always lend a hand when needed. He also officiated both my parents funerals with grace and kindness.
I was saddened to learn of Gary’s passing. I had the honor of working with him for many funerals over the years. His messages were always personal and comforting to families during a most difficult time. I would frequently call Gary to serve families who had no church membership since he related so well to people. My sincere condolences to Jan and the girls.
To Jan and family,
Jan, we ran into each other at stores like 6 times in the last 4 months. We would chat about how Rev Gary was doing. I still remember a service he preached with so much passion. I will always remember how dear he was and how hard he worked. My sympathies to you and the family. Annette Curtis
Pastor Carr was a treasure. He made the world a better place. Love and prayers to Jan and his entire family. Rest well, Pastor.
I remember the day I first met Pastor Carr. He was coming to Corey to see the church and parsonage. The night before, we had vandalism-someone had TP’d the church, and written some remarks. We had construction going on, adding a foyer and 2 offices, so we couldn’t lock up the church. So he saw us at our worst first. That was in 1986. In the years that followed, we added a kitchen to the fellowship hall, as well as a ramp so everyone could access. Then we purchased Miracle Acres–19 1/2 acres–which became the ball field, and shuffle board and picnic area, along with parking area which was sorely needed. The Bessie Wing Pavilion was built. And then a little more land was purchased and the Family Life Center was built. And all of that was paid off this year–before Pastor died.. We have a lot of memories, and a lot to thank Him for. We watched Jori and Gretta grow up. and Jan taught a lot of people to play the piano. We will miss him but, not as much as his family. May God comfort you all. Love, Hugs, and prayers for you all. Just think of the reunions he is having in Heaven!
Sorry to hear of his passing.my deepest condolences 🙏 ☹️. I knew him when he did my late husband’s uligy in 2008,(steve dugan). He will always be remembered. What a nice man he was, and by the way he did a beautiful job at my late husband’s uligy, just beautiful! May God be with his wife and family at this time.