Gailen Sidebottom

Gailen Dean Sidebottom was born on February 4 at his family home in rural Persia during the great blizzard of 1936, to Grant and Lotus (Osbahr) Sidebottom. Gailen met his future wife, LaVonne Petersen, at the Phoenix Theater in Neola, IA. He got her phone number on a popcorn bag and from that small beginning grew a love that would span over 70 years. At the age of 20, Gailen proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he was stationed in Hawaii. LaVonne joined him there, where they were married on August 25, 1957. After his discharge, they moved back to Iowa. Together Gail and LaVonne built a beautiful life and raised 3 daughters, Debbie, Diane and Lori, on a farm south of Walnut, IA, where he worked the land and cared for his livestock, until they retired in 2006 and moved to Avoca, IA.

Gailen loved farming, being outdoors, hunting, fishing, going to farm sales and buying and selling antiques. He would get up early in the mornings to work in his shop, building wishing wells and bird houses. He was also known for his sense of humor. He loved to tease and joke around with people of all ages. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were especially lucky to experience his playful teasing. He loved giving them a hard time, making them laugh and simply having them by his side. They will always remember his laughter and the special feeling of knowing Grandpa was happiest when they were around.

He was very patriotic and remained incredibly proud of his service in the United States Marine Corp. His love of his country and his interest in military history were an important part of who he was.

Nothing meant more to him than the people he loved. His greatest legacy will not be the things he built or the land he worked, but the memories, laughter, lessons and love he gave to his family.

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Gailen passed away peacefully with family by his side, having attained the age of ninety years. He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, siblings Lois Gile, Maynard Sidebottom and Donna Criss, infant grandson, Scott Gailen Maurer and infant great granddaughter, Emerson Faith Schulte.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, LaVonne of Harlan, IA, daughters, Debbie LaTourette, Harlan, IA, Diane Lascot (Jean), Harlan, IA, and Lori Maurer (Lafe), Avoca, IA, grandchildren, Jessica (Jim) Herring, Eric Kloewer, Adam (Alana) Kloewer, Kevin (Courtney) Lascot, Erin (Trevor) Seymour, Drew Lascot, Jacob (Kendra) Maurer, Lesa (Jarett) Schulte, Brandon (Amber) Maurer, 7 great grandchildren with one more on the way, and brother, Marlin Sidebottom, Council Bluffs, IA, nieces, nephews, extended family and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to CURE SMA or Tori's Angels.