Gary Thieschafer

Gary Thieschafer, age 77, passed away on May 23, 2026, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 1, 1949, to Arthur and Norma (Shaul) Thieschafer in Omaha, Nebraska.

Gary grew up on a small farm near Glenwood, Iowa, in Hillsdale community, where he learned the value of hard work, independence, and family at an early age. He attended a one-room country school, Hillsdale where he graduated 8th grade as part of a class of just five students, a humble beginning that shaped much of who he became. He then attended Glenwood High School, where he participated in FFA and 4H Club where he took pride in showing cattle. He graduated with the Class of 1967.

After high school, Gary continued his education at Bellevue University before attending Universal Trade School in Omaha, where he pursued mechanics — a trade that became a lifelong passion and career. In 1969, he joined the Army Reserves and proudly served as a mechanic.

Gary built a career doing what he loved. He worked as a mechanic for Roger Otto Motors in Glenwood before moving to Downtown Chrysler Plymouth, where he spent 10 years. In 1974, he became a dealer for Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants, a business he remained proud of for many years. He later worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad in Council Bluffs.

Gary’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to start a new chapter in 1981 when he opened Video Station of Iowa in Council Bluffs. With two locations on Mosquito Creek and South Omaha Bridge Road, he built more than just a video rental business, he created a place where people came for movies, games, satellite dish installations, and friendly conversation, all while continuing to grow his Amsoil business.

On August 21, 1971, Gary married the love of his life, Diane. Together they built a life centered around family, raising four children and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. His family meant everything to him, and he took immense pride in the life they built together.

Gary grew up attending Grace United Methodist Church, where his journey of faith and love for God began. Once he moved to Council Bluffs, he attended Valley View Baptist, Sherwood CMA, and found his forever home, at Christ Community Church, where Gary and Diane attended for the past 30+ years.

For 37 years, Star Lake in Dent, Minnesota became a second home for Gary and Diane. Their love for boating, water skiing, and lake life created traditions and memories that extended across generations. Gary passed that love of the water and outdoors down to his four children and family, leaving behind countless summers that will always be remembered.

Gary also had a lifelong passion for cars. At just 21 years old, he purchased his beloved 1970 Plymouth Cuda — a car that became one of his greatest prides and joys. He lovingly restored it to its original condition, showcased it at many car shows, and earned multiple awards along the way.

If you knew Gary, you also knew his appreciation for simple joys and few were greater than ice cream. Whether it was a quart, a sundae, a bucket, or a soft serve cone, it was safe to say an hour rarely passed without him thinking about where his next ice cream fix might come from.

Above all, Gary will be remembered for his strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, love for family, passion for lake life, pride in his work, and the way he found joy in both the big moments and the simple ones. 

In addition to parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Tim Herbranson, Dave Justesen, Dan Wobbema, Harlan Raszler, and Kenneth Herbranson; and his son-in-law, Steven Kline.

Gary is survived by his wife, Diane Thieschafer; children, Nikki Kline (Josh Meyers), Troy Thieschafer, Tennille (Nicholas) Atherton, Todd (Jes) Thieschafer; grandchildren, Griffen, Liz, Ty, Connor (Julia), Hannah (Dylan), Sophie, Carly, Tristan, Christian, Abigail, Sebastian, Preston, Kingston, Isabelle, Gabrielle, Cora, Jude, and Liv; sister, Tamara (Steve) Roenfeldt; sisters-in-law, Kathy Raszler, Alan (Karla) Jensen, Joyce (Steve) Klepfer, Patty (Mark) Lainson, Miriam Teeple, Melody Wobbema; nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Friday, May 29, 2026. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Saturday, May 30, 2026. The family will direct memorials.