Gary J. Goberville

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Purdue University

Gary Goberville Obituary

Gary J. Goberville, age 55, of Battle Creek and Lake Forest, IL, died Wednesday, March 6, 2002. He is survived by his wife, Patrice Wagner, formerly of Sheboygan, WI; as well as a son, JT Goberville; and a daughter, Ellie Goberville; his mother Phyllis Knapp of Oconomowoc, WI; and brothers and sisters. Mr. Goberville was currently Kellogg Company Senior Vice President, Human Resources; and previously was Vice President, Human Resources of W.W. Grainger, Inc.; Vice President, Human Resources of GenCorp, Inc. of Akron, Ohio, and began his career with General Electric. Mr. Goberville was a member of the Dean's Executive Council for the School of Technology at Purdue University. He taught classes at the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and for the American Compensation Association. In Battle Creek, Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 9, 2002, 1:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church. In Deerfield, IL, Memorial services will also be held Saturday, March 16, 2002 at 1:30 p.m. at North Unitarian Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Ragdale Foundation, A Place for Artist & Writers to Work, 1260 N. Greenbay Rd., Lake Forest, IL 60045 or Habitat for Humanity, 242 W. Hamblin Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017. Arrangements by Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek, MI, www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Mar. 7, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Goberville

7 Entries

ken corzine

March 15, 2002

A missing Star.

I the skies tonite a star is gone.

A star that held aBrilliant Light.

A light of warmth, of strength.

A light of love,and warm embrace.

The loss I feel is felt by many.

The loss of a brother, a friend.

a smiling face.

the heart and soul of a one true friend.

Gary you held the heart of a warrior,

the sage of a god. and the strength of atlas within you.

Hold on to the love, and Respect.

Of those who will miss you my friend.

and tell God that awaits you,

that you have a resume.

one tht stands tall,forever.

In the hearts and Memories. of

those of us who will follow you one day.

God bless and God speed,

my dear friend.

And Gary, if you get a chance.

put in a good word for me.

Robert Butler

March 13, 2002

Gary and I have been friends, professional and personal friends for 29 years, dating back to our early days in General Electric in Milwaukee, to our later days in Arizona and Michigan. Through all these years, we stayed in touch and followed each others dreams as we raise our families and pursued our careers.

We never lost touch across five cities for me, seven cities for him. Until now...

Like you, I wonder where my friend is needed more than we need him here and now.

But I believe we can remember him -- this decent man, humble, without any real vice, friend to many, stranger to none.

Perhaps we can remember him best by looking in the mirror and seeing those same qualities in us that we so admired in him. What better way to celebrate a great life, cut too short, than to emulate Gary's great example in out own lives.

Let us resolve to: love our families, love our neighbors, love life, and love our God for everyday of the time we have left to do these things.

We will miss him now and often as the days pass by. But we will never forget him.

Sincerely,

Bob

Robert J. Butler

Friend, compatriot, colleague, and fellow traveler

Marv & Sue Isles

March 12, 2002

Patti,

Our hearts go out to you and your children. Gary was truly a very special person. He'll always be remembered for honesty, genuine concern for people and love of family.

Gary had a way of touching those around him. Our lives are better because we knew him.

God Bless,

Marv & Sue Isles

Bill and Barb Toutz

March 12, 2002

Patty, JT, and Ellie,

We first met Gary and his lovely bride when Gary and Bill were serving in the U. S. Army in Kaiserslautern, Germany. As with us, Gary and Patty were newlyweds living thousands of miles away from family and familiar surroundings. It was very important to make friends in Germany especially for the young couples like we were at the time. This was over 30 years ago. We lost touch for some time and met again when we all ended up in Chicagoland.

Gary was the chaplain’s assistant in Germany. He was known as being a very friendly person who could be counted on in any situation. His integrity and ethics were above reproach to those who were fortunate enough to meet him in those days. Gary was one of those enlisted rank soldiers (used to be called enlisted men) who had the motivation and education to contribute more than his “rank” would otherwise suggest.

Obviously, Gary left the military to achieve great success in business, yet he maintained the same integrity and ethics that he had when he was “just an enlisted man”. Patty and Gary adopted two children because they had a strong desire to help future generations contribute to the betterment of the world. Gary was a realist and simply expected his children would be honest and ethical and would give their best effort to contribute positively to other people and the world. Any success in other ways like business or finance was secondary to what Gary considered as a worthwhile life.

Some business people will be remembered for the number of people they trash.

Gary will be remembered for all the people he touched.

Some people will be remembered as job titles.

Gary will be remembered as a genuine human being.

Some people relate to their families and friends as they would cars or boats.

Gary will always relate to his family and his friends as a loved one who will be missed.

Gary used to take long walks, sometimes with other people, sometimes alone. Somehow, we believe he is starting another long walk. A walk in the clouds.

Those who knew Gary will know why we will remember him with a smile, a chuckle, and a sigh as we all move forward in our lives as he would want us to do.

God blesses Gary and his family.

Bill and Barb Toutz

Vernon Hills, Illinois

Donna Evans

March 12, 2002

Patty, JT and Ellie,

How blessed you were to have Gary in your lives. Treasure each memory. Let friends and family give you comfort when you need it. Turn to the Lord when you feel the most despair. God bless you all.

Bill Whitely

March 7, 2002

Gary was an outstanding leader and human being and we will all miss him terribly

Nancy Thurber

March 7, 2002

Patty, J T, and Ellie-

Just a note to let you know that I am so sad and I will miss Gary very much. He was the best "boss" and friend that I ever had. I talked to Bess and am comforted to know that Gary was able to get back home and be in the surroundings that he loved so much. He always spoke of all of you with so much love, what a special man he was. I'm sorry that I will not be able to attend the memorial here in Chicago as I will be out of town on a trip that was planned months ago. Please know that both my husband, Scott, and I will be thinking of you. If there is anything I can do-do not hesitate to call. I just am so happy to have been able to share time with such a great guy. My thoughts are with all of you-

Nancy Thurber

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