Gary Carl Ecklund

Gary Carl Ecklund, 74, of Inverness passed away peacefully Sunday, May 12th, 2024.

Gary was the husband of Judy (née Briatico) for 53 years; father of Shawn Ecklund and Amy (Brandon Trost) Ecklund; grandfather of Johnny and Edie Trost; Brother of Randy (the late Amy Lou) Ecklund, Karen (the late Erv) Bohl, and Paula (Dick) Wilson; uncle of Guy Ecklund, Annie (Bryan) Frei, Tyler (Danielle) Ecklund, Jordan (Brent) Johnston, Cody Bohl, Samantha Briatico, Tracy Briatico, Lindsay Briatico, the late Tom and Ginger Wilson; great-uncle of Colsten Ecklund, Ramie and Rylie Frei, Chloe Johnston, Noah Briatico-Schnell, Atticus Pascarella, and Isla Ecklund; and brother-in-law to Thomas and Sue Briatico. Half brother Gus (Angelina) Nanos.

Gary was born on December 9th, 1949 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Thelma Knudson and Vernon Ecklund. He attended Maine West High School in 1967, was honorably discharged from the Air Force in June of 1975. He attended Northern University in 1976 and went on to receive his Masters of Business Administration from The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business on December 18th, 1979. Gary began his career at Baxter and Allegiance Heathcare. He retired as Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch.

Gary and Judy met as teenagers at The Cellar in Arlington Heights, and were married in August of 1970. They welcomed Shawn Ecklund in 1972 and Amy Ecklund in 1980. They raised their kids in Elgin, Rolling Meadows and Inverness, Illinois and Valencia, California.

Gary had a deep knowledge and vast love of music that shaped his life and ours. He had a keen intellect and unwavering curiosity we found inspiring. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted son, brother, soldier, scholar, husband, dad, and finally as the the absolute best and most doting grandpa ever. He beamed endlessly in their direction. He was so loved and we miss him terribly.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in California.