Gary H. Landau, 76, of DeWitt, died expectedly after a lengthy illness on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. A Celebration of Life and time of sharing will be held immediately after from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Gary Haines Landau was born Nov. 6, 1949, in Hawarden to Dr. Bert and Doris (Haines) Landau. He grew up in Hawarden, and it was in fourth grade that he met the love of his life, Mary Catherine Gant. It wasn’t necessarily love at first sight; Gary reluctantly agreed to share his locker with the “new girl,” Mary, and wasn’t too happy that every day, she put her muddy farm boots right on top of his clean city boots. They began dating in high school and after graduation, they moved to Minneapolis. Gary then attended the Minnesota School of Business and completed his degree in court reporting. The two of them eventually wed on Jan. 29, 1972, in Akron. Together they had two daughters, Jennifer Lynne and Carrie Jean, and Gary worked as a court reporter and court reporting instructor until his retirement in 2015.
Gary loved spending his free time fishing, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, Indiana Fever, his grandkids playing sports, and researching genealogy. Gary’s greatest hobby was listening to all types of music, but most importantly the Beatles, who he secretly hoped would ask him to be their fifth member. Gary fancied himself Paul McCartney’s doppelganger and enjoyed it when people said they actually looked alike. Gary was one of the most compassionate people. He was accepting of everyone and had a remarkable ability to put himself in others’ shoes, always seeking to understand and empathize with their perspective. Gary never met a stranger; everyone he met was instantly a friend.
Gary’s gift of story-telling was uncanny and he made everyone around him feel welcome by engaging in immediate conversation as if he had known them his whole life. Gary’s jokes may have been heard by those around him thousands of times but that didn’t stop him from telling them time and time AGAIN. Gary loved going to the casino with Mary and made lots of friends playing his beloved slot machines that he was sure he had figured out the odds on. Gary’s biggest joys were his grandchildren who he spoiled greatly and loved watching grow into young adults.
Gary is survived by his wife, Mary; his eldest daughter, Jennifer (Stan) Rheingans of Dubuque; his youngest daughter, Carrie (Tim) Bacha of Frankfort, Ill.; his grandchildren, Emersen (Alex) Pang of Fort Collins, Colo.; Colton Rheingans of Davenport; Jackson (Grace Riniker) Rheingans of Dubuque; and Mackenzie Bacha of Frankfort; siblings: Dr. Greg and (Deb) Landau; Jim Landau; Bill and (Peggy) Landau, and Jeff and (Carrie) Landau; sisters-in-law, Sue (Ron) Gant-Yackel, Jean (Dan) Ellis and Pat (Ralph) Gorton; and many nieces and nephews.
Gary was preceded in death by parents Bert and Doris Landau; his in-laws, Bill and Beulah Gant; his brother, Steve Landau; and brother-in-law, Mike Gant.
The family asks that sometime, in the next few days, you listen to your favorite Beatles song in loving memory of Gary (aka, the 5th Beatle).
The family would like to offer their sincere thanks to the MercyOne Genesis Hospice Staff, Dr. Humphrey Wong and Amy, and Dr. Mary Campbell.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MercyOne Genesis Hospice.
Cremation is being provided by the Schultz Funeral Home family at their crematory in DeWitt. Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.
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