Gregory Lee Boyer

Gregory Lee Boyer, 72, Cedar Falls, died September 29, 2024 under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice.

Gregory was born May 16, 1952 in Waterloo to the late Delmar and Emily (Hanna) Boyer.  He honorably served in the US Army.  Greg married Tammy Ackles in 1981 and they were later divorced.

Gregory is survived by his children, Skyler Boyer of Reinbeck and Lindsey Boyer of Cedar Falls; grandchildren, Lauren, Avery, Callie, Jacey, Elijah and Tyler; ex-wife, Tammy Boyer; siblings, Jan Guzman, Larry Boyer, Michelle Bisbee and Marcy Frost; daughter by choice, Sadie Roberts; nephews and nieces Blue Boyer, Shenita Boyer, Timothy Frost, Cody Figi, Benjamin Frost, Alexis Bisbee; extended family, those he mentored in boxing, sponsored through AA and many dear friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Delmar and Emily; step-father, Dale Frost; grandson, Julian Payne; siblings, James Boyer and Darlene Brocka; sister-in-law, Nancy Boyer; nephews, Brian and Guy Boyer; and his boxing coach, life mentor, Harry Anderson.

Gregory Lee spent his youth (along with 95% of his life) in the woods and waterways of North Cedar. It was during this time in his life he developed a love of hunting, fishing, and motorcycle riding. During his adolescent years, he tapped into this athleticism. First finding a liking in wrestling until he found his true passion, Boxing. After many state golden glove/AAU titles, successful runs through national tournaments. He joined the Army as a rifleman. After his boxing talent was discovered, he was asked to join the US Army boxing team. He fulfilled his service as a US Army Boxer and radio operator. Gregory would leave his base at any opportunity he had. He would spend his free time in the Army hopping on trains traveling through Eastern Europe. He would joke about Eastern Europe being the second most beautiful place on earth. Second to only his beloved North Cedar. When Gregory returned to the states, he added horse riding to his long list of hobbies. He was crazy enough to "break" horses while also racing them as a Jockey. Gregory settled down (kind of) and married Tammy (Ackels) Boyer. They had two children, Skyler and Lindsey. During this period of Gregory's life, he decided to face his alcoholism head on. While taking his journey through AA, he found a passion for mentoring others through their struggles of substance abuse. His door was always open. In the early 90's Gregory was an integral part in starting the Blackhawk boxing club in Waterloo, later becoming the Cedar Valley Boxing club. Mirroring his success as a boxer, the head coach won multiple team state titles also taking many boxers to national competitions. He had boxers who also competed in the armed services, and in college ranks.  Despite all the success Gregory had in the sport, it didn't compare to the relationships he built along the way. Gregory's real impact with his boxers came outside of the ring. He wasn't ever concerned with a boxer's success in the ring. That was just the vehicle he used to steer them down the correct path in life. Gregory will be remembered for a wide variety of reasons. Father, Friend, Coach, Sponsor, Mentor, North Cedar legend, and over all bad ass.

Memorials

Our beloved Coach Greg Boyer passed away on September 29th, 2024. Coach Boyer's lifelong commitment to boxing made a lasting impression on generations of boxers in Waterloo and the whole State of Iowa. The Boyer family would like to honor the incredible legacy coach left the Waterloo boxing community by fundraising in his honor to support Los Bravos Gym and Miguel's Gym. The Gloves Up Movement, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is accepting donations in his honor to support the vital work of the two gyms. Please help honor Coach Boyer by helping to make boxing stronger in Waterloo.

Please Click Here To Donate To The Gloves Up Movement In Memory Of Gregory Boyer