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BORN
1947
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Gary Nuernberger Obituary
Gary Lee Nuernberger, age 78, of Goreville, Illinois, passed away suddenly, Monday, December 1, 2025 in St. Louis, Missouri.
He was born in Alton, Illinois on July 14, 1947 to Irvin and Dolores Nuernberger.
Gary graduated from ISU with a Bachelor's and Master's degree. He later attended NIU and earned his Doctorate in Adult Education. He taught at Pontiac Esmon, Illinois, Pecatonica, Illinois and was a principal at Stillman Valley, Illinois. Gary taught best practices to teachers for PLS, and was Dean of the Graduate School for Rockford University.
He is preceded in death by his parents as well as his brother, Robert Nuernberger.
Gary is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy Nuernberger (nee Johnson); his daughter, Delores Richardson (Matthew); his son, Russell Nuernberger (Penny); three grandchildren, Madison Nuernberger, Matthew Brady Richardson and Russell Nuernberger; his brothers, E. Phillip Nuernberger (Deborah) and Steven Nuernberger (Jean). He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Gary loved spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman, gardener, and a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Please make memorial contributions in memory of Gary to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
Services: A memorial celebration of Gary's life will take place next spring, on a date yet to be determined. Please share memories of Gary and condolences with the family in the online guest book at www.Schrader.com
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Nuernberger
23 Entries
Michael Mandzen
January 29, 2026
I'm deeply saddened to hear about Gary's passing. I first met Gary when I was 21 years old, beginning my career as a young and inexperienced teacher at Pecatonica Grade School. He quickly became a trusted mentor, guiding me through the challenges of the education field. Both he and Nancy were incredible sources of support for me personally.
Gary played a pivotal role in my career; he encouraged me in numerous conversations to apply for an administrative position in the Meridian School District, which ultimately led me to transition from the classroom to the office. Though I haven't seen the both of them in a while, I think of them often. I hope to learn more about the time and location of the celebration of life.
Gary, may you rest in peace. God has you now. Nancy, Dee and Russ; I am greatly saddened for your incredible loss. Gary was an amazing man! He will certainly be missed but not forgotten.
Please feel free to text me with any further arrangements at 815-742-6853. I am not on any social media.
Rachel Knapp Viel
December 16, 2025
Gary was one of the best teachers I ever had. He was stern and fair peppered with some sarcastic humor. He made fifth grade fun. I also have a great memories hanging out with Dee at the Nuernberger house. There were always a lot of laughs. My heart goes out to Nancy, Dee, Russ and your whole family. He was a great guy who influenced a lot of lives in a positive way. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Dave & Rose Johnson
December 10, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Shirley Trettenbach
December 7, 2025
Gary was a professional educator and father figure to many. Condolences to his wife Nancy, family members, and many friends.
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Janet Hall
December 7, 2025
Dr. Nuernberger was a great mentor and leader at Meridian Jr. High School. As a young teacher in his building, he provided a positive and supportive spirit. Condolences to his family.
John Church
December 7, 2025
Words cannot express how bad I feel for you Nancy and your family. Gary left a legacy of giving everything he had to educate thousands of young people over his life.
Carlos Rockey
December 7, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. As well as close friend for many years. We will love you and miss you always.
Sandy Pfeiffer Thomas
December 7, 2025
So sad to hear this - I grew up knowing Gary all through our Eden Church confirmation and sunday school as well as high school - he was always a wonderful person. I pray you find peace with the love of your family and friends in this sad time.
C. Miller
December 7, 2025
Many condolences to the Nuernberger family on this sad occasion. I am very sorry to hear of your loss.
Nita Wyatt (Moses)
December 6, 2025
I am so sad to read this my heart goes out to you Nancy and your family. I have so many wonderful memories of him. I will always remember singing at your wedding. Special memories. My heart goes out to you.
Nita Wyatt (Moses)
December 6, 2025
I was very sad to see this. I am so sorry for your loss, Nancy. I have so many fond memories of Gary. He was a special guy and a wonderful person. My heart is full of sorry for your entire family. Much love, Nita
Richard Fritz
December 6, 2025
So very sorry for the loss of Gary. He was a great person to work for and more importantly he was such a great friend. Condolences to Nancy and family.
sunshine willmore
December 6, 2025
Gary was one of the most decent hardworking men i've ever known. Whatever he did he did with his whole heart. He served as our association board member many years and was also president of same. He was a good friend.
More than any good works he did there are two things that came before them
God and family.
Gary will be remembered and sorely missed.
❤
Susan Mocarski
December 6, 2025
I was so very sad to hear this news today. My dear friend, Nancy, my heart is with you. Gary was not only a good friend, but the best principal I worked for in 40 years of teaching. What a warm, caring, and funny man. I think of him often and always will. I often tell the story of how he wrote me every day for a month to tell my why I needed to take that job in Stillman Valley and I never regretted it once. I guess he has the best seats for every home game now. Godspeed, Gary. You were one of the good guys.
Nancy Carter
December 6, 2025
Gary was a truly wonderful educator, teacher, friend and all around nice guy. We were friends as kids & his family lived across from my grandparents, Jack & Esther Brooks.
Gary was my sister's age and we would share visits with my aunt and uncle who lived next door to the Nuernbergers.
He will be missed by many & a life lost too soon. So sorry for your family's loss. Blessings.
Judi Piros
December 6, 2025
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I have such wonderful memories of our times together in Byron. Please know I’m thinking of you during this difficult time. Cherish the many wonderful memories you have of your many years together.
Jon Wirth
December 6, 2025
So sorry to hear about Gary, I've lost a good friend and Cardinal fan. Rest in peace.
James A Walter
December 6, 2025
Nancy, so sorry to see this. He was the best friend I ever had during my teenage and early adult life. I am at a loss for words to describe my feelings. I pray that you are in good hands with your families.
Emanuel Gagliano
December 6, 2025
So sorry for the loss of a great man. Prayers to Nancy and family. He was a funny guy and so fun to be around. Hard to believe he’s gone. He will be missed. Rest in peace Gary. We’ll meet again some day.
Jeff & Lori Bauch
December 6, 2025
We will cherish the many memories of Gary! I loved sitting around the table and laughing until I cried! Sending love and light to the whole family! Jeff & Lori Bauch and family!
John Peterson
December 6, 2025
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. My sympathies to all of your family.
Ron Hutting
December 6, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Lori Lietz Segelhorst
December 6, 2025
Good guy loved by all my heart hurts
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results