Gary Nyhus

Gary Nyhus, a beloved educator, coach and community leader, passed away on January 5 at his home in Clear Lake. Gary will be remembered for his dedication to his family, students and community, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.

A celebration of life funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, January 17, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 North 4th Street, Clear Lake; with Lay Pastor Al Berge officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake. Burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Central Gardens, Zion Lutheran Church or Newman Baseball, in Gary’s memory.

Gary was raised in Mason City and graduated from Mason City High School, North Iowa Area Community College, and Iowa State University, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. This connection sparked a lifelong passion for all things Iowa State Cyclones.

He spent over 38 years in education, serving as a math teacher, department chair and an inspiring mentor to countless students at Newman High School. His passion for education extended beyond the classroom, where he served as athletic director for 22 years and coached for 30 years, leaving a legacy of excellence in leadership and teamwork.

Gary’s professional accolades were numerous. A member of the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association for 24 years and the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association for 34 years, Gary also served as a past president of the latter. He was an active member of the IHSBCA Steering Committee and proudly represented Iowa at the National Federation Convention in 1998.

Under his leadership, Newman’s baseball team celebrated 20 consecutive conference championships and a state championship in 1998. With a career record of 628-155, ranking in the top 500 nationally for most wins all-time in career wins for all high school baseball coaches. Gary was named State Coach of the Year twice (1991, 1998) and was inducted into the National Coaches Hall of Fame and the Iowa Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Gary was deeply involved in his community. He served on numerous boards, including the Newman High School Foundation, the Zion Lutheran Church Endowment and Central Gardens. A compassionate volunteer, he dedicated his time to MercyOne and hospice care, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to service.

Gary is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sandy; son, Chad (Mason City), his wife Rebecca, and their son Finley; son, Jason (Minnetonka, Minn.), his wife Melita, and their daughter Ciella; brothers-in-law, Mark (Lori) Skoglund, Paul (Mary) Skoglund; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Lila Nyhus. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, mentor and friend.