Gary Dinsdale
Gary Dinsdale, 82, of Webster City, died on Saturday, August 2, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 PM on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Asbury United Methodist Church. Following the service, and in keeping with Gary’s wishes, everyone is invited to The Links, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, for a celebration in his honor — filled with food, fellowship, and laughter. The family has chosen Boman Funeral Home (www.bomanfh.com) to handle services.
Gary was born on March 6, 1943, in Webster City, Iowa, to Donald and Edna (Braynard) Dinsdale. He grew up on the family farm, which was originally homesteaded by his grandfather, and attended country school through 7th grade before transferring to Webster City’s “town school,” graduating in 1961. He went on to graduate from Iowa Central Community College and the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Industrial Technology Education. Gary taught at East High in Waterloo, then at Eagle Grove High School and the community college. After seven years of teaching, he was honored to take over the family’s Century Farm. He felt it was a privilege to be a good steward of the land.
In 1994, Gary started Dinsdale Motors on the farm as a hobby. That hobby quickly grew into a full-time venture when his son Lance joined him, and together they opened dealerships in Webster City and Eagle Grove. What began as a side project turned into a successful 25-year run.
Gary married the love of his life, Mary Ludley, on June 28, 1964, in Webster City, Iowa. Over the years, they lived in 17 different homes –many of which Gary remodeled himself. A talented handyman, he was a house “flipper” long before it became trendy. He was a longtime member of Asbury United Methodist Church and served on several church boards. Gary was also a 4-H leader, active in the county fair, and served on the Fair Board. He had a passion for all types of racing — especially car racing — and even raced motorcycles in his younger years. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing pool.
Gary’s family includes his wife of 61 years Mary; sons: Wade (Shawn) Dinsdale and Lance (Ashley) Dinsdale; granddaughters: Alexandra (Colt) Richardson, Ella Dinsdale and Sophie Dinsdale; two great-grandchildren: Briggum and Wrenlee Richardson; sister Diane Sampson and her daughters Dede and Debra; brothers-in-law: Steve (Bonnie) Ludley, and Dave (Marcia) Ludley; sister-in-law Carolyn Crawford; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Dave Sampson.