Gary Anhalt
May 30, 1947 ~ February 5, 2021
Gary Lee Anhalt died suddenly on February 5, 2021, at the age of 73. Born and raised in South St. Paul, Minnesota, Gary enjoyed his time as a competitive rower at the Minnesota Boat Club. He earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from Winona State University and went on to flourish in a 40-year career as an educator, starting by teaching science and physical education in Cedar Rapids. He met his wife Holly (Brisbin) Anhalt in college and they were married in 1970, at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids.
Gary lived a professional life of purpose, leadership, and commitment serving the children and families of Cedar Rapids. During his teaching career, Gary started the soccer program in the Cedar Rapids Schools, coaching at Washington High School for over two decades. He was a founding member of the Iowa Soccer Coaches Association and a member of the Iowa Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame. Passionate about student wellness and physical fitness, Gary and his fellow physical education teachers started the district-wide 5th grade Fun Run during his time at Grant Wood Elementary, an event that encourages children to be physically active and have fun. He served on the Cedar Rapids Recreation Commission for seven years.
He retired in 2009, and ran for school board of the Cedar Rapids Community School District, serving as an at-large board member, first elected in 2009, and re-elected in 2013 and 2017, with his term set to expire this year. He served as a District Director for the Iowa Association of School Boards and was a 30-year Delegate to the National Education Association Representative Assembly. Additionally, he worked for 12 years as president of the Cedar Rapids Education Association, the teachers union. During his time as CREA president, he was part of the mentoring and induction program for new teachers.
Gary also spent 20 years as a commercial photographer, running a black and white studio out of his basement and shooting countless weddings, proms, homecomings, and church events. Gary loved technology, photography, video filming/editing, and could be often found with a camera or other gadget in his hands. He taught elementary students how to take photos and started a news broadcasting studio at Grant Wood Elementary. He was an active member of All Saints Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, where he distributed communion. Gary was a proud and loving father to his three children and in the later part of his life, he discovered the joys of being a devoted and playful grandparent to his four grandchildren. He and his wife Holly celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2020.
His professional community will remember him as a tireless advocate for teachers, children, and public education, and all who knew him will remember his warmth and kindness. Gary believed that everyone mattered, and would tell his colleagues to ask themselves, 'Was anyone's day better because you were in it?'
He is preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Anhalt and his brother, William Anhalt. Gary is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Holly Anhalt; and his children, Ben Anhalt and Shawn Durrett; Peter and Meg Anhalt (Walter); and Heidi Anhalt and Shaun Cassells; grandchildren, Macy and Willa Anhalt and Audrey and Alexander Cassells; siblings, Tom Anhalt, Jim Anhalt, Diane Schember, and Laura Anhalt; and father, Robert Anhalt.
Private Family Funeral Mass: 3 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2021. Friends and extended family are invited to watch the Mass via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Gary's tribute wall and share your support and memories with his family.
An in-person service is planned for a later date when safe to gather in celebration of Gary's life.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary Anhalt's name from his family, friends, and CREA family may be made to the Cedar Rapids Community Schools Foundation (www.crcsf.com). Additionally, the community is encouraged to honor Gary's memory by reaching out to legislators to advocate for funding and resources for education.
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Gary’s Family, It was my privilege to know and work with Gary in the Cedar Rapids schools. He was interested in making sure all kids got the education they needed. He understood the need for a voice for teachers and he provided it well. I join with you all in celebrating his life. He made a difference in that he made things better when he was involved. God Bless you all. William C. Jacobson Cedar Rapids Educator.
As a long-time Cedar Rapids colleague in the school district it was always evident that Gary always had the vision of “what is good for children” — not just for today but for the future. He did indeed make days better for many people. His legacy is evident in the work he did both as a teacher, a representative of his fellow teachers, and as a representative of the community. His voice will be missed. To his family – may the memories of his love and work keep him forever in your heart.
I remember Gary Anhalt when he was my P.E. teacher at Grant Wood Elementary School from 1989 – 1995.
I’ll always remember Gary as Coach Anhalt…. He was my Soccer coach @Wash from 82-85. Upon reflection he was figuring it out at the time but it didn’t matter. He was always prepared and kept everyone focused on working together as a team. We learned a lot, ran a lot and had a lot of fun winning more games than we lost along the way.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We are all better off for having known Gary. May he rest gently in the palms of God’s hands
Gary was a professional educator with a gift of caring about kids. He loved his involvement with us …his ISEA and NEA cohorts. I will miss Gary. Barbara Cunningham Shenandoah
Gary taught at Grant Wood where our kids attended and I volunteered and worked. Good man. I am sad to know he died. My best to his family.
As you grieve know that we are remembering you. Sending all of our love.
Gary was a friend and colleague. Remember all the great times at fun run, CREA board meeting, and just talking about classroom activities . Gary was a man of many talents who will be greatly missed. Our sympathy to Holly and the family.
I will always remember Gary as a caring and welcoming person. I knew Gary from the IASB board where I was inspired by his passion for education. In discussions I loved to hear Gary’s perspective – because I usually felt better hearing it. My prayers are with Gary’s family. He was a wonderful man.
Gary was such a kind soft spoken soul. I enjoyed working with him. I was so sad to hear of his passing.
I’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. As a former principal at Grant Wood Elementary, I had the privilege and opportunity to work alongside Gary. During that time I personally observed Gary’s dedication and energy to improve the lives of children in and out of school. I admired Gary’s support of all students no matter their personal challenges. Gary’s warm smile and calming demeanor will be greatly missed. Mick McNiel
I served with Gary on the IASB board of directors. Gary was passionate about public education and a positive influence to our board. It was an honor to serve with him. Gary will be missed. Sympathies to his family.
Gary was a friend and mentor to so many Iowa educators. I always looked forward to seeing him at state and national gatherings. We appreciated his insights on the issues, and we enjoyed a beer together too. I was lucky to know him as a fellow school board member as well.
I met Gary while serving on the IASB Board of Directors. He was outgoing and friendly and very in-tune with public education. He will be missed. Hugs to his family! Mary Poulter
With deepest sympathy to Holly and family, and great appreciation for Garys life and dedication to the Cedar Rapids Community School District.
Holly and family—- I am so very sorry for your loss—-it was truly a privilege to have taught with Gary at Grant Wood—- ever the professional, ever the innovator, ever the dedication, ever his genuine kindness and ever that subtle humor are treasured memories. The 5th grade Fun Runs and those t-shirts are wonderful Gary treasures. Hold your good memories close to your hearts—- praying for your family. Carol Olson
What a tremendous teacher, coach, school board member, husband, church servant, and great person was lost by everyone who knew him. He certainty is in heaven now with the Lord! Though I didnt teach with him, it was a pleasure to work him for many years when he was the Statistician of the MISSISSIPPI VALLEY CONFERENCE. Deepest sympathy goes out to Holly and his entire family!!
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Gary Anhalt. To Holly and his family, I extend my deepest sympathy. Gary was a great leader for our community. I had the good fortune to work with him in several ways, as his AD as he coached Washington soccer, as an excellent school board member and through his constant advocacy for students, athletes, education and particularly the Cedar Rapids Schools. He will be sorely missed.
Gary was a good friend to both of us in SSP. His life after that was amazing and personifies who he was as a dedicated family man and educator, and also as a gentle soul. We enjoyed connecting with him at reunions, and will miss him. RIP ! Steve and Terry (Ackmann) Johnson Longville, Minnesota
Gary was an amazing person. I am better because of him. I knew him as a union leader and he taught me about advocating for students in the role of CREA President. He loved life and made the most out of every experience! I am so glad I was able to spend time with him at NEA Rep Assemblies, ISEA events and in Cedar Rapids. He was an advocate for Public Education throughout his life! You will be missed and we WILL continue your work!
Holly, Ben, Heidi, and Pete, We were all touched by your dad in some way. He was our P.E. teacher, took pictures of us at our dances, allowed us the opportunity to play soccer, was our neighbor and friend. Everything Gary did was out of kindness and the good for others. Our family will forever treasure that in our hearts. Our prayers are with you to find strength, comfort, and peace at this difficult time. Love, The Meixners
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am very sorry for your loss. Though it was decades ago, I have fond memories of Gary from years ago when Ben and I went to Tyler together and I spent time at their house. My sympathy to Ben and the entire family.
Thank you for your service to our community, Gary. RIP.
We are thinking of all of you during this time and sending all our deepest sympathy and love….our kids had so much fun at Grant Wood when Gary was their P.E. teacher and we all have good memories of those days….i will miss talking politics with him, he always had good advice….he was surely a dedicated school advocate and cared so much….he will be missed by so many people….
We send our deepest sympathies to Holly and the family. We truly lost a great education leader. Gary promoted education and leadership where ever he went. We saw first hand the many ways he encouraged and promoted both young and older leaders. He had that wonderful “everyone is a friend” attitude just like H.O. Maxey. I want to share a favorite story. He was probably older than his actual age. At almost every evening meal during an NEA convention, one of us would tell the wait staff it was his birthday. He was always surprised and had many a cupcake at various restaurants. Penny and I are very sad to have lost a dear dear friend and leader in education. Bob and Penny Gilchrist
I remember going to his birthday before Alex’s birthday last year online. His birthday was 2 days before Alex’s. I remember all the fun stuff we used to do at the Mall of America. Grandpa bought me a tiara at the Disney store and we played with the Legos at the Lego store. We enjoyed riding the “up and down” together. I also enjoyed many visits to the Komo Zoo with Grandpa and Grandma.
Gary and I go way back to when Heidi was in Kindergarten at Johnson. He was a well informed active parent. It was obvious his love of children and young people. He influenced so many. They are a living, walking tribute to his success. Holly and I still meet at Fareway. My heart aches for you and your family. I am just so sorry for your loss.
Gary was my first specials team partner when I was a newbie music teacher at Grant Wood. I have so many memories of collaborating in his gym– countless music programs with Gary helping me set up and tear down risers. I enjoyed teaching both Heidi and Peter as well. Gary was a true team player. I loved his sense of humor. He will truly be missed. Amy Hanisch
I remember Gary from NEA Rep Assembly. He was often on the New Business Committee and even chaired it. This was a committee that met at 6 AM! He was did a great job on this committee and everyone appreciated his efforts so that we would all know what the items were about. Gary often had a smile or a laugh for us. He will be missed!
This just seems so wrong. How can you be gone? I will always miss your sense of humor and kind nature. Love to the Anhalt extended family.
Gary was a good friend of mine. We were both Physical Education teachers that worked together on the Fun Run, CREA, and other projects. I will always remember Gary for the outgoing, friendly person who loved to help kids. We shared many great times together at conferences and school activities. I offer my sympathy to Holly and family at this difficult time. Hal Garwood
Mr. Anhalt was my PE Teacher at Eisenhower Elementary during the early 70’s. I was not a gifted athlete, but I have distinct memories of Mr. Anhalt encouraging me to try my best and to be proud knowing that I gave my best effort. I am thankful that God asked him to share his ability to care for others with me. I send my prayers to his family at this difficult time.
The world lost an amazing soul, but our loss is Heaven’s gain. Gary was a special part of my brother’s family and by extension our bigger family. He was about the least selfish person I know. I was blessed to know him as countless others would agree with that statement. I’ve been thinking of many Gary moments this week. There were at least two times when Gary spoke to me and said just what I needed to hear. I met Gary and Holly really right after my dad died. It was a rough time of course made worse by let’s just say other complications. I don’t even remember what words Gary said to me, but I remember how they made me feel and that’s what matters. My youngest nephew was born a few months after my dad died. It really upsets me that Davis never got to know the love and joy of my dad. I’m so grateful that Gary (and Holly) were there for Davis and Davis’s brothers. I remember my sis-in-law getting a t-shirt made for toddler Davis that said “Of all the people in my world, Gary is my favorite.” I cannot imagine that Gary won’t be in the stands come football season eating popcorn and cheering Davis on. I pray for Gary’s family and all who he impacted. Everyone should be so blessed to have a Gary in their lives. If you don’t have a Gary in your life, be the Gary in someone else’s.
I was honored to get to know Gary through school board service and participation in the Iowa Association of School Boards. Always focused on what is best for students, always compassionate and caring about everyone, and always thoughtful. My deep sympathy to his family and to everyone in the Cedar Rapids community whose lives he touched.
Gary was a great mentor in ISEA and I always laughed through NEA RA with Gary running the new business committee and social events. Always a good, straight talking person to have a conversation. I will miss him. Deepest sympathy to Holly and the family.
My sympathies to Gary’s family: his biological family and all the education colleagues who became part of his extended family. He knew how to touch people’s lives in just the right way. He was kind and thoughtful and giving of himself. He will be missed by so many, and he knew how to live life to its fullest. We are all richer because of Gary.