Gary Kiernan

Gary Kiernan, 75, of Winterset, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 17, 2017 in Winterset surrounded by family and friends. He was born on September 26, 1941 at Des Moines, Iowa to John J. and Alice (Watts) Kiernan. As Gary grew up, he was never the person to sit too still and always had the desire to help others. He farmed the Kiernan Family farm (which has the distinction of being a Century Farm) for over 30 years. The farm was host to the Harkin Steak Fry, which started in 1972, to kick off the political campaign of Senator Tom Harkin. Gary was active throughout his life in the Democratic Party and served on the Madison County Board of Supervisors from 1984 to 1992. He also served on the board of the Madison County Elderly Services for over 30 years. The Catholic Church and his faith in God was a very important part of Gary’s life. He was an instrumental part of the Papal visit of Pope John Paul II to St. Patrick’s Irish Settlement Church in 1979. He participated on the parish board and building committee for the St Joseph Catholic Church, of which he was a member. In 2010, Gary was presented a Life Time Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to the community, involvement in the county, and quality leadership in business. On top of those accomplishments, Gary successfully owned and operated Kiernan Construction since 1975. You could always count on Gary to help you out at any time regardless of the need. Gary is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Michele (Paul) Grandfield, Crystal (Brian) Binns, Matt (Beth) Kiernan, Dan (Melinda) Kiernan, Peter (Kris) Kiernan, Michael (Erin) Kiernan; sister, Mary Beth (Dick) Craven; and grandkids, Blake, Gavin, Coen, Olivia, Ella, Megan, Colin, James, Katherine, and Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents, John J. and Alice (Watts) Kiernan; and brothers, Fr. James Kiernan, Jack Kiernan, and Thomas Kiernan. Visitation will be Monday from 2 to 7 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Winterset with family receiving friends from 4 to 7 PM. A Rosary will follow the visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, February 21, at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Dan Kirby officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately after the service in the St. Joseph Parish Hall, followed by burial at St. Patrick’s Irish Settlement Cemetery at Madison County, Iowa. Memorials may be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund or the St. Patrick’s Irish Settlement General Fund. Arrangements are being handled by McCalley-Collins Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.mccalleyfuneralhome.com.