John Gailey Sr.

John W. Gailey, 82, of Fort Dodge, died peacefully on Monday, July 3, 2017, at the Fort Dodge Villa Care Center. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, July 8, 2017, at Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home. On Friday, July 7, 2017, an informal gathering of family and friends will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Laufersweiler- Sievers Funeral Home. John was born on August 12, 1934, in Ottumwa, Iowa. Graduated from Storm Lake High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. John graduated from Buena Vista College and received his law degree from the University of Iowa. He married Sheilah Smith and began practicing law in Fort Dodge in 1962. Together they raised 6 children. The couple later divorced. John married Joyce Ruth Anderson in 1987. After practicing law for 50 years John retired in 2014. John was an avid reader and worldwide traveler. John enjoyed farming, horses and a lively game of partner pitch. John is survived by his wife Joyce and children: Mary Beth (Horst) Spielberg of Tempe, AZ, John (Julie) Gailey Fort Dodge, Patricia (Kris) Jarnagin Lincoln, NE, Denis Gailey Fort Madison, IA, Timothy Gailey Duluth, MN, and Renae Gailey Fort Dodge. Step-daughters: Cheryl (Dana) Smith Omaha, NE. and Susan Messerly Fort Dodge, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John is also survived by siblings: Mary Williams (Murry Fort) Fort Dodge, Margaret (Burton) Potts Neillsville, WI; and James (Sara) Gailey Newell, IA; and many beloved nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents Errol and Bessie (Whitfield) Gailey and grandson Aaron Spielberg. Memorials will be at the discretion of family. Visitation Fri, Jul 7, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home 307 South 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 Celebration Of Life Sat, Jul 8, 2017 at 10:00 am Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home 307 South 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501