Gayle Ann (Cook) Herron, age 74, of Coon Rapids, IA, passed away on February 18, 2026, at Banner Heart Medical Center in Mesa, AZ, surrounded by family.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids with Rev. Angelo Luis officiating. Burial will be at the Coon Rapids Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids from 5-7 P.M. on Friday, May 15, 2026. Additional visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 – 10:45 A.M. on Saturday prior to the service.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids and online condolences may be left for Gayle’s family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com
Gayle was born on March 2, 1951, in Carroll, IA. She was the daughter of Douglas “Dugan” and Ruth (Hofbauer) Cook. She was a lifelong resident of Coon Rapids where she graduated from Coon Rapids High School. A talented athlete, Gayle excelled for the Coon Rapids Ramblers, particularly girls’ basketball, and was proud to lead the team during her senior year in its inaugural season as the Crusaders, a name the school still carries today. Gayle was married to Fred Sigler in 1968, and to this union, a daughter, Angela, was born. She was later married to Leon Byerly and to this union, a son, Brandon, was born.
Her working years also reflected her deep roots in Coon Rapids. Gayle worked at Garst and Thomas Seed, Thomas Rest Haven, the Coon Rapids Golf Course, and for Harris and Marjorie Hess. She also worked at The Northside Recreational Parlor, known to many as “Dugan’s,” her father’s bar and a familiar Coon Rapids gathering place, where she enjoyed building relationships with the many patrons and friends from the community. Gayle was also member of the Coon Rapids American Legion Auxiliary.
On September 1, 2008, Gayle was married to Howard Herron, the love of her life. They had known one another many years earlier during their time in school. After life took them in different directions, their paths later crossed again, and they found in each other a lasting love and companionship. Together, Gayle and Howard made their home in Coon Rapids, where they shared many happy years, and they especially enjoyed spending their winters in Arizona during retirement.
Gayle was happiest when her family and friends gathered around her. She took pride in keeping an immaculate home, and her door was always open. She was known for hosting elaborate Christmas and Easter celebrations. While holiday meals sometimes ran a little late, that only gave everyone more time to visit, which was exactly how she wanted it. Gayle loved knowing what was happening in the lives of those she loved, and she found her greatest joy in keeping her family close.
Gayle’s bond with her mother, Ruth, was particularly close. She loved Ruth deeply and made it part of her daily routine to stop by Ruth’s house to visit, play 500 Rummy and care for her. Those countless Rummy hands were more than a card game; they were a reflection of the closeness they shared and of Gayle’s steadfast love and dedication to her mother.
Gayle was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, and her grandchildren brought her tremendous joy. She loved babysitting and sharing simple moments with them, whether taking them fishing or to the park, cheering them on at their events, or simply enjoying time together at home. Gayle was often the loudest cheerleader in the crowd, always proud and present. And, like any good grandma, she was known to bend the rules now and then, letting the kids stay up a little too late, have candy when they probably should not have, and make the kind of memories only a grandmother can give.
Gayle also cherished her lifelong friendships. She was loyal to those she loved and held close a core group, many of whom had been part of her life since elementary school. Those friendships were a steady and joyful part of her life and were also part of what made spending winters in Arizona special. Gayle was comfortable, happy, and fully herself when spending time with friends. Gayle also enjoyed camping, fishing, and the simple pleasure of time spent with the people who knew her best.
Gayle is survived by her husband Howard Herron of Coon Rapids; daughter Angela Golay (Doug) of Coon Rapids; son Brandon “B.J.” Byerly (Billie) of Coon Rapids; seven grandchildren: Kyle Golay (Emily), Alex Golay (Brandi), Tyson Byerly, Brody Byerly, Skye Byerly, Whitney Byerly, and Sierra Byerly; six great-grandchildren: Weston, Axel, Ruth, Lennon, Boone, and Grey; a brother Jerry Cook (Denise) of Coon Rapids; three sisters-in-law: Arlene McDaniel of Coon Rapids, Zoeanna Jacobsen of Coon Rapids, and Diana Blair of Boone. Gayle is also survived by Howard’s family: Sheila (Jay), Michael (Lora), Bobby, Chelsey, Shawn, Stephanie, and Steven; along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gayle was preceded in death by her parents.
