Gary “Honk” Lee Warnke, age 69, of Scranton, IA, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at his home.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Dahn and Woodhouse in Carroll. Arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a later designation.
Gary was born June 11, 1955 in Carroll, IA, the son Vernon and Burnita (Daniel) Warnke. He attended Carroll High School before enlisting in the United States Army. After the military, he moved back to Carroll in 1978 and Gary was united in marriage to Connie Vote in Auburn, IA. Though the marriage later ended, they were blessed with two daughters: Kristal and Danielle.
Honk worked for his brother Dallas at Warnke Plumbing and Heating in Carroll for several years before moving on to his true passion: working for Jorgensen Truck and Equipment as a mechanic. In his free time, Honk spent time helping others by doing odd jobs including plumbing and heating, mechanical work, working on race cars, or chasing bats out of buildings (often refusing payment for the services he provided.) He took care of his family, friends and his community in Scranton.
Honk was a huge fan of Western movies, and they could be found almost constantly playing on his T.V. Honk had the biggest heart for animals and would help them in any way he could. His animals adored him; his dogs never wanted to leave his side and went everywhere with him. In case you ever wondered why he was called “Honk,” the nickname originated back in his younger days when he would drive down the main drag in Carroll and honk at the people he knew (and he seemed to know just about everybody!) He could be cantankerous and ornery but those who knew him best also knew him to be sweet, kind, silly, and so very caring. He always had some story to tell, and he lived his life for others. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.
Gary is survived by two daughters, Kristal (Andy) Reed of Kalispell, MT, and Danielle (Dustin) Mason of La Porte City, IA; his grandchildren: Aubrey Reed, Bridget Reed, August Mason, Oliver Mason, and Evelyn Mason; his great nephews who were like his grandchildren, Joseph Warnke and Ryan Warnke; four sisters: Cindy Mueggenberg of Carroll, Melody (Richard) Heim of Auburn, Cathy (John) Peterson of Carroll, and Michelle Stork of Breda; six brothers: Dennis (Donna) Warnke, Dallas (Brenda) Warnke, Randy (Vicky) Warnke, Kevin Warnke, Mike Warnke, and Scott Warnke – all of Carroll; sister-in-law Darlene Warnke of Carroll; brother-in-law Ronald Schiltz of Carroll; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Burnita Warnke; brothers: Bruce Warnke, Victor Warnke, and Kelly Warnke; sister Pamela Schiltz; brothers-in-law, Ron Mueggenberg and Ken Stork; sister-in-law Helen Warnke; and an ex-wife Tabitha (Leiting).
