Gary L. Wallerich

Gary Lynn Wallerich, 65, of Braidwood Illinois, passed away on July 23, 2024, after his brave fight against Pancreatic Cancer. Gary was born on November 03, 1958 to Charles and Noweta (Vandever) Wallerich in Blue Island, Illinois. After Gary graduated form Bremen High School in 1976, he attended Lewis University to study Criminal Justice, and later decided to join the Operating Engineers Local 150 Union. Gary married his high school sweetheart Emma Jean (Adler) on July 2, 1977. They enjoyed 47 years of marriage that included raising their 3 children. Gary was highly active throughout his life, being an avid baseball player from little league to trying out for the Chicago White Sox. He also enjoyed bowling, and fishing. He was a track coach for Reed Custer High School and volunteered with the Reed Custer football chain gang in the 90’s. He attended all of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events including Cheer, Volleyball, Baseball, Wrestling and Dance and was proud to watch all of their success. Outside of his family Golf was Gary’s passion, telling Emma “If he couldn’t golf, life was not worth living”. He forged a bond with the men on his league, many becoming like brothers. His proudest moments on the golf course were his “hole in 1” on the 12th hole and winning the Mens Club Championship in 2023 at the Silver Oaks Golf Course, in the Braidwood Recreation Club. Loving golf as much as he did, he golfed up until 2 weeks prior to his passing. Gary believed any job worth doing meant giving 110%, and not taking the easy way out. That dedication is what he put into everything he pursued and instilled in all of his children and grandchildren. Gary retired in 2022 and his dream was to travel with his wife and enjoy some of the places they always wanted visit and make new memories. They purchased a camper and traveled to Indiana, Tennessee and Texas, enjoying the time with their family. Gary is survived by his wife, Emma; his children, Christy (Brandon) Roberts, Robert (Rebecca) Wallerich, Jackie (Johnathan) Ward,; his grandchildren, Bryce (Keyshira), Joshua (Haley), Ashlyn, Kaytlyn, Victoria, Jason, Johnathan Jr., Jackson; his great-grandson Kylo; his godchildren Lisa Thompson, Bridget Gutierrez, Nichole Wood; his sister Diana Bellah and brother Terry Wallerich. Gary is preceded in death by his parents Charles “Lee” Wallerich and Noweta Wallerich; his father and mother-in-law Wilbert “Red” Adler and Ramona “Mona” Adler. A celebration of life for Gary will be held on July 30th, 2024, at the Braidwood Recreation Club, 33915 Il. Rt. 53, Braidwood, Il. 60408 main office building Conference Room, at 3:00 pm. As Gary found joy in life and sharing it with others, the family asks you do the same, go out and do something that brings you real joy and share it with those around you. If you feel so moved, reach out and tell us about it - or another joyful time you shared with Gary. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Gary’s name to Pink Heals Joliet Chapter. https://pinkhealsjoliet.org/donate/

Gary L. Wallerich

November 3, 1958 - July 23, 2024