GARY WEBSTER

1952 - 2014

GARY WEBSTER VALPARAISO, IN
"The world has it backwards honoring such people as sports figures and actors. Mr. Webster is the hero in my life!" Army Ranger, former student of 35 years ago It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved brother and uncle, Gary S. Webster, 62, of Valparaiso, Indiana. Gary lost his valiant battle with metastatic melanoma cancer and left us on Friday, October 24, 2014, at the VNA Hospice in Valparaiso, Indiana. Gary was born on June 22, 1952, to Harry and Ruth (nee Yahnke) Webster of Merrillville, Indiana. He is preceded in death by father, Harry Webster; mother, Ruth Webster; brother-in-law, Ralph Krulik; and nephew, Crew Krulik. Gary is survived by sisters: Janet (Bob) Bohney, Pam Krulik and Nancy Webster. He is also survived by brothers: Jeff (Colleen) Webster and Cory (Jackie) Webster; as well as nieces and nephews: Traci (Paul) Failla, Bob (Jennifer) Bohney, Bill (Brandie) Bohney, Megan Webster, Shannon (Ryan) Reeves, Noelle Webster, Alexandra (Chris) Mislan, Chris Krulik, Carrie (Mark) Botset, Curtis Krulik, Cory Krulik, Cammie Krulik and Casey Krulik. Gary also doted on a number of grand nieces and nephews. Gary was a 1970 graduate of Merrillville High School. He graduated from Indiana University Northwest in 1974 with a BS in Elementary Education and received a Masters in Education in May of 1978 from Valparaiso University. Gary served as an elementary school teacher in the Valparaiso Public School District for the last 41 school years. He started his teaching career at Hayes Leonard Elementary School in 1974, where he taught both 5th and 6th grades. In 1994, Gary moved to Cooks Corner Elementary School teaching 4th and 1st grades. Gary had a passion for community service, the arts, athletics and music. He incorporated them all into his teaching style. Gary played a major role in the lives of countless Valparaiso children. He was known as a "Rock Star" teacher in his community. From greeting the buses and kids each morning to coordinating his famous talent/variety shows, field trips and athletic activities, Mr. Webster was always giving of his time to make Cooks Corners a special place to be. Gary not only academically prepared his students for the future, but most importantly showed his students how to become better people through his unconditional caring and compassion. He knew every student by name and developed strong relationships with their families. Gary could always be seen in the stands following his former students in their athletic, educational and extra-curricular activities. A celebration of life memorial is being held at Valparaiso High School gymnasium on Saturday, November 1 at 11:00 a.m. The students and staff of Cooks Corners Elementary School will be hosting the event and the community is invited. Family, friends and co-workers may visit with the family on Sunday, November 2, at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN, beginning at 1:00 p.m., with a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Porter County Community Foundation for the Gary Webster Memorial Scholarship Fund. Donations may be sent to c/o Cory Webster, 2658 Blarney Stone Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46385. Please also visit www.garywebster.org to read and/or leave your memories about Mr. Webster.