Dr. Gary D. Schlapp DVM

Dr. Gary D. Schlapp, DVM, age 76, of Yorkville, IL passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 23, 2025 with his family by his side. He was born in Aurora, IL on February 5, 1949, the son of Dr. Jewell Dean and Joyce (Reinboldt) Schlapp. Gary was united in marriage to Beverly Leland on June 28, 1970, and they spent the next 55 years happily together.
Dr. Gary Schlapp graduated from University of Champaign-Urbana College of Veterinary Medicine in 1976. He practiced medicine with his father for twenty years. Dr. Schlapp became the owner of Countryside Veterinary Clinic in 1995. He assisted Countryside Vet Clinic in becoming an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association)-accredited hospital. Under Dr. Schlapp's leadership, the Countryside Veterinary Clinic became a place known not only for medical excellence, but for compassion, earning the trust and loyalty of pet owners in Yorkville and beyond. Dr. Schlapp practiced medicine for 48 years. His dedication and devotion for animal care came natural to him.
He served as Kendall County's Administrator for Animal Control for close to 31 years. When the Kendall County Animal Control Center had to temporarily close in November 2018, Dr. Schlapp stepped up and accepted stray animals through Countryside Veterinary Clinic for several months until they reopened. This was just one of the countless generous gestures that showed the kind of person Gary truly was. Dr. Schlapp also served as a trustee of the Bristol-Kendall Fire Protection District Board for 19 years and as a member of the Bristol-Kendall Fire Protection District Pension Board.
Gary was an avid gardener who especially enjoyed growing a variety of peppers and making hot sauce to share with his friends. Whether turning a pen on the lathe or creating a piece of furniture, he spent many hours in the workshop sharing his love of woodworking with his son, Todd. He also loved to cook for family and friends. He was always experimenting with and sharing new recipes with others. Photography was a hobby he also enjoyed, taking pictures to enjoy precious moments with his family and the beauty of nature. He was a longtime member of Yorkville Congregational Church.
Gary devoted his life to his family and friends. He lit up when the house was full- Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas mornings, Easter brunches or any reason he could find to gather everyone he cared about. A favorite pastime was hosting Friday night pizza which always included good food and playing games with his family and friends. He loved the friendly competition and especially beating his good friend Mikey at any game that was played.
Gary enjoyed family immensely and many of his happiest memories were made on family trips. Some of his favorite vacation spots were Michigan, Sanibel Island and most recently Door County. He truly embraced "The more the merrier" philosophy and especially liked it when joined by extended family and friends.
Gary was a devoted contributor of the University of Illinois for many years, proudly holding season tickets to Illini basketball and football games for 30+ years. Cheering on his team brought him joy, but nothing compared to the joy he found in his family. Gary's heart was fullest when he was with his grandchildren. He never missed a chance to be there for them, sitting in the bleachers at his grandsons' basketball games or along the sidelines watching his granddaughter play volleyball or softball. His deep, booming voice carried across every gym and field, a sound his family came to know as pure love and encouragement.
Dr. Schlapp was a cherished and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be missed dearly by all who knew him. Gary is survived by his wife, Beverly Schlapp of Yorkville, IL; his children, Todd Schlapp of Grand Junction, CO, and Nicole (Nicholas) Kulbartz of Newark, IL; his grandchildren, Luke Schlapp, Gwen Schlapp, Cody Kulbartz, Dylan Kulbartz, and Nora Kulbartz; his siblings, Gail (Fred) Gaebler of Yorkville, IL, and Julie (Richard) Larson of Aurora, IL; as well as his nieces, nephews and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Jewel Dean and Joyce Schlapp.
Friends may visit from 4:00 PM until the Hour of Service on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at the funeral home in Yorkville, IL.
A Funeral Service will be held at 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Nelson Funeral Home, 1617 North Bridge Street, Yorkville, IL. Interment will be private.
Arrangements made by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or (630) 553-7611