Obituary for Gary L Hongsermeier (Guest book)

Message from Suzanne Hongsermeier

May 23, 2016 8:59 AM

So sorry to hear about Gary's passing .Our thoughts and prayers to all of you. I know he was a great man with a very big heart. Some of my best memories are visiting with your Mom and Dad and you kids .It was always fun to come to your house and Allen always enjoyed talking with your Dad. Sue and family

Message from Monty and Sherrie Schroeder

May 23, 2016 8:51 AM

Oh Nancy, Monty and I are so sorry to hear about Gary's passing. We were out of town and found out when we returned. I can still remember when I first met Gary; what a sweet and carrying man and his smile was so special. I know Monty and Gary have a very special friendship and will miss him. We will be thinking of you and please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Sending hugs to you and your family. Love Monty and Sherrie Schroeder

A candle was lit by Monty and Sherrie Schroeder on May 23, 2016 8:32 AM

A candle was lit by Sod &Mona LeGrand on May 20, 2016 4:38 PM

Message from Sid & Mona LeGrand

May 20, 2016 4:37 PM

We will miss you you left us too soon

Message from Butch Price

May 20, 2016 2:06 PM

Gary and I met in 1987 as we were both serving as Region Directors for the IL Jaycees and President Mike Casteel. We formed an instant kinship. Those 12 months of service to the Jaycees formed a fast friendship that I have cherished for the last 29 years. I can remember those special sit-downs at the ILJC GA's when we broke out a bottle of JD and enjoyed with the many friends we made through the years. Although we did not see each other often over these past years; when we did it was always with smiles, laughter, and great memories.

The 5th line of the Jaycee Creed reads: "That Earth's great treasure lies in human personality"...this truly exemplifies Gary Hongsermeier. He will never be forgotten.

Butch Price
59th President
Illinois Jaycees

Message from Sam Reinkensmeyer

May 19, 2016 4:55 PM

My sincere sympathies on Gary's passing to his sisters and family. Gary was a great friend throughout our elementary school years in Hoyleton and high school years in Nashville. We were a force to be reckoned with playing for the Hoyleton Thunderbolts basketball team and the Nashville Hornets football team! Gary always came ready to play, and never hesitated to give 110% toward every challenge. He had a quick smile, and loved to laugh and joke no matter what trouble we had gotten ourselves into. While I didn't see Gary much after our high school years, I know he was an avid volunteer and tireless supporter of his church and his Jaycee membership. I'm sure these organization will miss Gary's leadership and goodwill to all. Gary had a big heart, always ready to help a friend, and I will miss him.

Expression of Sympathy

A MONET'S GARDEN TABLE BASKET was sent on May 18, 2016

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. Our warmest condolences, The Kessler Family

Expression of Sympathy

A THE COLOR OF MEMORIES TABLE ARRANGEMENT was sent on May 17, 2016

With Deepest Sympathy, Suzanne Hongsermeier Brad Hongsermeier & Family Amy Bennett & Family

A candle was lit by Cathy (Pegg) Meneely on May 17, 2016 6:29 PM

Message from Diane Rakers, Senator #48808

May 17, 2016 4:14 PM

Gary, The campaign trail will not be the same without you. I loved your sense of humor and kindness to everyone. I just told Nancy today how great the bacon wrapped meatballs were. Thanks for showing all of us how to work though things that slow us down and continue to pursue our dreams and what makes us happy. RIP, friend

A candle was lit by ruth a Hongsermeier on May 17, 2016 12:42 PM

Message from Gary and Penny Sprehe

May 17, 2016 10:33 AM

We first met Gary 5 years ago. It was the first BBQ cookoff in Irvington and the first competition we competed in. Gary had organized the event. The first meeting with Gary you could tell what a wonderful and caring person he was. He would give you the shirt off his back. After competing against Gary in BBQ throughout the years, he had become a dear friend to us. There will be a huge void now and he will be dearly missed. It seems he has lived his life with a passion to do good, caring and helping anyone in need. God will reward him for all he has done here on earth. My condolences to his family for your loss. Gary and Penny Sprehe, "Miss P-Gee's Smoker"

Message from Joe Eller

May 17, 2016 8:28 AM

I will miss you my friend!!!!!!!! I am sure you will be missed by many. It has been my privilege to have you as a friend. My heartfelt condolences to your family, especially to your sister Nancy, who I had the privilege of meeting.

A candle was lit by joe eller on May 17, 2016 8:22 AM

A candle was lit by Tim, Cindy, Reign, Brynn Coats of Irvington on May 16, 2016 10:12 PM

A candle was lit by raystevens, ohio jci senate on May 16, 2016 9:22 PM

Message from Diana Anderson Bollmann

May 16, 2016 9:06 PM

What a shock to read of Gary's passing. We had a lot of good times back in the Jaycee days. Gary was a fun loving guy , we all traveled the southern Illinois area together and had quite a good group in the "Mississippi Valley". You will be missed my friend.

Message from Rick Rotramel

May 16, 2016 8:04 PM

I'm Very Sorry to hear of Hongsy's passing. Although I have been away from Jaycees for a long time, I will never forget our times together back in the 80's. Hongsy was a great help to me when I was state president of the Jaycees and I never really remember him having a bad day. He was always one of the most positive people I ever knew and he always found something to be positive about at the most difficult of times.

RIP my friend.

Rick Rotramel

Message from Gary Downs-Ky Jaycee Senate

May 16, 2016 8:01 PM

He will be missed by many, a real nice friend to all

A candle was lit by Tom and Cyndi Payne on May 16, 2016 7:55 PM

Message from Greg Chadaranek

May 16, 2016 5:55 PM

I am so saddened by Gary's passing. He is among my favorite Jaycee memories. He was so instrumental in my life when I was a State President of the Illinois Jaycees. I never knew him to have a bad day, loved his laugh and always welcomed his insight/advice. He will surely be missed by us all and am glad that we will all see him again when we get to heaven. He was such a blessing. Thank you, Gary, for being a part of my life.

Message from Robin Patton Harkness

May 16, 2016 4:46 PM

My condolences to the family.

Message from Mel Weith

May 16, 2016 2:40 PM

Sorry to hear of your passing big guy. We didn't always agree back in those Jaycee days, but you had a great heart and have done great things for the community. I know those close will miss that warm smile and your willingness to help.

Message from Karen Helms

May 16, 2016 2:32 PM

I am sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He will be missed. He was quite, funny, loving, helpful, and just a wonderful guy. RIP Gary, I love you.

Gary L Hongsermeier

Nashville LocationHoyleton Location

Nashville Location
Hoyleton Location