GARY R. STEWART

Gary Ray Stewart, age 77, of Elburn, passed away and is now in the care of his Lord. He left his family on Thursday, May 25, 2023, surrounded by their love and prayers, buoyed by the hope that one day they will all meet again.

He was born June 15, 1945, in La Salle, IL, to proud and loving parents, Raymond and Violet Stewart.

Gary grew up in Peru, IL and attended local schools. He graduated from La Salle-Peru High School with the class of 1963.

He pursued his higher education at Illinois State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree and later a master’s degree in education.

Gary was senior in high school when he met his future wife in freshman Nancy Derango.  The love that was born in the hallways of their alma mater grew into a lifetime of love and companionship. They would eventually celebrate 57 times since April 11, 1966. They made their new life together in La Salle and were blessed with two sons before their family was complete. Over the years they made stops in Hinsdale, Hampshire and eventually settled in Elburn in 2022 so they could literally be next door neighbors to family.

Gary taught drafting and drivers’ education, plus coached boys and girls’ soccer and wrestling at Lyons Township High School for over 30 years. His grade book was put away for the last time but that didn’t mean he was retired. Gary kept himself busy caring for his family. If there was a need, Gary filled it, if it was broke, Gary would make sure it was fixed better than new. Nothing made him happier than to see the smiles and love radiate from his families eyes every time they saw him.

Door County held a second home and hearth for the family, as well as abundant hunting, fishing, and the search for his first hole in one. Thousands of memories were made on those summer acres and they will be long remembered as some of the best times of Gary’s life.  Late in his life, Gary gave his heart to the Lord and became a Christian, claiming the promise of forgiveness, redemption and an everlasting life with his Savior.

He now leaves his loving wife, Nancy Stewart; two sons: Gary Lee (Polly Pinderski) Stewart and Richard (Becky) Stewart; five grandchildren: Sara (Jack) Harris, Rachel Stewart, Tyler Stewart, Morgan (Nick) Patterson and Andrew Stewart; three siblings; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a community of friends. 

Gary is now reunited with his parents, Raymond and Violet Stewart and one sister, who preceded him in death.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gary’s name to the charity of your choice. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.