Gary A. Lipshutz

Gary Arnold Lipshutz passed away Saturday, May 24, following a long battle with heart disease. A memorial service will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 30, 2025 at Congregation Beth Shalom. Burial will be 10:00 A.M. at Mount Carmel Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Soup Kitchen, the Warming Shelter, or to a charity of your choice. The memorial service will be live-streamed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84942263587pwd=JMTJ2HDM4ODLNYzBCLDSiptw390QBb.1&_ics=1748352040768&irclickid=~74URQSRHLPFJKCwqopukhab4XOUV2SWQOVZQRHICzof1SNGEyvl&_gl=1*izr6bu*_gcl_au*MTIwMDI2MTI4MC4xNzQxMTg4NjI1*_ga*MTM3MjczMDMyMy4xNzI0OTQwMDcz*_ga_L8TBF28DDX*czE3NDgzNTE4Mzckbzc5JGcxJHQxNzQ4MzUyMDQyJGowJGwwJGgw 

He was born January 20, 1943, to Virginia and Louis Lipshutz and lived his entire life in Sioux City. He attended Sioux City public schools, graduated from Central High School with the class of 1961, and then attended the University of Miami in Florida. When he returned to Sioux City in 1965, he went into the family-owned business of Morey's and Raymond's men's clothing stores, and later created his own company, GALCO.

Gary was a man of many interests. One of his favorite quotes was "The life of the individual only has value as it aids in making the lives of everyone more enjoyable." And he tried to do so in his community. A huge sports fan, he supported the Iowa schools as well as the University of Miami Hurricanes. He worked with the Department of Parks and Recreation to introduce slow-pitch softball to Sioux City in the late 60s. In 1972, he brought the United States Hockey League to Sioux City with the organization of the Musketeers hockey team, and he was inducted into the Musketeers' Hall of Fame in 2024. He served as the general manager of the U.S. National Junior Hockey Teams in European competition.

Gary’s contributions went far beyond sports. For over 30 years, he worked with local and area high schools and TV stations to bring the academic competition "Quiz Bowl" to Siouxland, even organizing several national tournaments. For over 40 years he arranged group tours all over the U.S., North America and Europe. And he organized a "Singles Club" which brought together many lifelong friends.

A proud Democrat, he was one of the leaders in reforming the Iowa political caucus system. He had great admiration for Harry Hopkins, a Sioux City native who was an important advisor to FDR during WWII. He remained politically active throughout his life.

Probably most important, he loved people and he loved bringing them together. A loyal friend, Gary went out of his way to make everyone feel included.

He is survived by his long-time special friend, Margo Chesebro, several cousins, and a large and diverse group of friends.