Gary Burnette Gaffney, 85, of Sandwich, IL passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Pavilion on Main Street in Sandwich. He was born on July 24, 1938 in Ottawa, IL the son of Clyde and Jennie Joanna (Valsano) Gaffney. He married Marion J. Sandell on March 18, 1978 at Grace Lutheran Church in Aurora, IL and spent 46 years together.
He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Gary enjoyed his time boating on the Illinois River and traveling the U.S. in his motor home with Marion. He was passionate about biking and was active with the bicycle club in Florida and was very proud to have accomplished two 100-mile rides, playing golf, and exercising at JC’s regularly.
He is survived by his wife, Marion; six children, Debora Sowers of Elgin, Lori Johannessen of Sandwich, Rick (Martina) Gaffney of Grand Junction, Colorado, Joni Probst of Yorkville, Jeff (Anna) Pruter of Elgin, Jim Pruter (Gail Walz) of Sandwich; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; his special nephew Gary Baker; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two siblings, Phyllis Baker and Lloyd Knutson.
Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, July 26,2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 235 S. Green St. Somonauk, IL 60552 with a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 noon with Pastor Chris Schoon officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church. For more information or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 W. Rt 34 ~ PO Box 404
Somonauk, IL 60552
(815) 498-2363
He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Gary enjoyed his time boating on the Illinois River and traveling the U.S. in his motor home with Marion. He was passionate about biking and was active with the bicycle club in Florida and was very proud to have accomplished two 100-mile rides, playing golf, and exercising at JC’s regularly.
He is survived by his wife, Marion; six children, Debora Sowers of Elgin, Lori Johannessen of Sandwich, Rick (Martina) Gaffney of Grand Junction, Colorado, Joni Probst of Yorkville, Jeff (Anna) Pruter of Elgin, Jim Pruter (Gail Walz) of Sandwich; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; his special nephew Gary Baker; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two siblings, Phyllis Baker and Lloyd Knutson.
Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, July 26,2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 235 S. Green St. Somonauk, IL 60552 with a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 noon with Pastor Chris Schoon officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church. For more information or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 W. Rt 34 ~ PO Box 404
Somonauk, IL 60552
(815) 498-2363
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