Gary E Kirchhoff

Gary Edward Kirchhoff, 78, of Newton died on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Valley Vista Nursing and Rehab. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 29, at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton.  The family will greet friends from 4-7. p.m., Monday, September 28, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. Memorials to Newton Dollars for Scholars or the Mission Cancer Foundation may be left at the church the day of the service or at the funeral home.

Gary, the son of Robert “Bob” and Cecilia “Kriss” (Krzywicki) Kirchhoff, was born on January 21, 1948, in Clinton, Iowa.  Growing up he lived in many communities before his family settled in Miles, Iowa where Gary would graduate high school in 1966. He then continued his education and graduated with his BA in Math Education from the University of Northern Iowa in 1970. While at UNI, Gary met Linda Preitauer and they were married on June 7, 1970, in Dubuque. Gary’s first math teaching job was for the Greene Community Schools. He then served his country in the U.S. Army stationed in Korea.

Upon returning from the service, Gary taught math at Dubuque Senior High School.  During that time, he also returned to school and received his MA in Ed Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.  He then transitioned into the Assistant Principal position at Dubuque. In 1984, Gary, Linda, and their two daughters moved to Newton where Gary would serve as the Principal until his retirement in 2004.  He always said graduation was his favorite time of year and watching kids that had to work a little harder than most gave him great pride and love for what he did.  Gary also took a vital role in assuring each classroom in Newton had a computer, which at the time was a huge undertaking.

Gary continued his own lifelong love of learning taking classes at both Loras College and the University of Iowa.  Even after retirement, Gary would advocate for education as he worked for the State of Iowa Department of Education for 13 years.  As an educator, Gary was a member of many professional organizations.  His long-term role as the Treasurer of the Newton Dollars for Scholars board was truly his passion as he was able to help Newton graduates continue their education.  In 2025, he was recognized for all his dedication to Newton High School by being inducted into the Newton High School Hall of Fame.

Gary had many interests in life including golf, feeding the birds, squirrels, and neighborhood dogs, and getting together with friends for breakfast and lunch.  He also enjoyed reading books and discussing computers and technology.  Gary loved supporting his children and grandchildren during their activities. He would even watch “The Voice” with them, although they were in three different locations, and vote for their favorites.  Gary had a lifelong challenge to find the “Best Prime Rib” but would tell you he was still looking because he hadn’t found it quite yet.

Gary is survived by his wife, Linda Kirchhoff of Newton; daughter, Melissa (Jim) Sommars of Newton; son-in-law, Terry Capman of Altoona; his grandchildren, Mikayla Capman, Kennedy Capman, Corbin Capman, Kyle Sommars, Chad (Ashley) Sommars, and Kacey Sommars; great-grandchildren, Jade, Jasper, Jordi, Sophia, and Jimmy; his siblings, Mark (Marilyn) Kirchhoff of Omaha, Karen (Bob) Stuyvesant of Carlisle, Jim Kirchhoff (Lynn Stoffregen) of Dubuque, and Ron Kirchhoff of Peosta; sister-in-law, Nancy (Lary) Herrald; brother-in-law, Steve (Marie) Preitauer; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Michelle Capman; and his parents-in-law, Bob and Phyllis Preitauer.

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