Mark J. Gaffey

Mark John Gaffey, age 63, of Riceville, Iowa, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2017.  A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2017, at the Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home, 407 Woodland Avenue, Riceville, IA.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mark was born in Riceville, IA, on August 19, 1954, son of Paul and Roberta (Cox) Gaffey. Mark graduated from Riceville High School in 1972 and completed one year at Iowa State University at Ames, IA, where he studied agriculture.

He farmed with his family and later worked at the White’s farm-equipment factory in Charles City, IA.  He then worked alongside his father selling Belarus tractors in Riceville.  Later he worked as a parts man at Gordy’s Repair in Stacyville, IA.

Mark loved working on his acreage outside of Riceville.  He was a talented mechanic with an ability to fix just about anything.  He took a great interest in planting many varieties of hostas, and enjoyed going to auctions.  He loved being around his grandchildren, socializing at the Windy Tree Caff in Riceville, and getting a regular political fix at the Red Man Inn in McIntire, IA.

He will be sorely missed.

Mark is survived by his wife, Donna Gaffey of Riceville, his son Darren (Michelle) Ewy and grandsons Henry and William of Rochester, MN, his daughter Angela (Ryan) Ketch of Savannah, IL, and sisters and brothers Dr. Michael J. Gaffey of Grand Forks, ND, Paula (Ambassador Larry) Dinger of Reston, VA, Dennis “Pat” (Deb) Gaffey of Pasco, WA, Dr. Maureen Gaffey of St. Paul, MN, Karen (Ernie) Schofield of Riceville, IA, Theresa Gaffey of St. Paul, MN, Brian Gaffey of Riceville, IA, eight nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Mark was preceded in death by his sons Sean and Ryan, his parents Paul and Roberta, and his brother Thomas Gaffey.

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