Gary Thomas Walther

A devoted husband, father and grandfather

Gary Thomas Walther of Northbrook, Illinois, passed away on February 9, 2026, at the age of 88 after a yearlong battle with cancer. He died peacefully in the presence of his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Walther, and their three children, Kirsten, Peter and David.

Gary was a man of profound character, rooted in faith with the Episcopal Church, and of course, the University of Michigan Wolverines. He was a natural-born leader known for his steady business acumen, integrity, compassion, loyalty, and deep love for family and friends.

Gary was passionate about his growing family, Michigan football, travel and tennis. He was fortunate to travel with family and friends to Africa, Australia and South America, in addition to multiple trips to Europe and throughout the United States. Annual trips to Maui were also part of his travel experiences as he enjoyed the surf and Hawaiian culture, as well as Mary's family (MacArthur's) which were located on multiple islands. He also treasured spending time with his family and friends at the Walther family cottage on Higgins Lake in Michigan. His visits to Higgins Lake often included his dear brothers John and Bill and their regaling in long ago stories of late nights at the lake with card games, story telling and other shenanigans between the three brothers.

Gary was born in Bay City, Michigan, on January 28, 1938. He is the third child of the late John and Harriett Walther. Gary graduated in 1956 from Bay City High School where he was 8th in his graduating class and participated in multiple student organizations. This time in Bay City was also when he made lifelong friends whom he remained in close contact with throughout his life.

Upon graduation from high school, Gary attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor while obtaining an undergraduate degree in Engineering in 1960. He continued at the University of Michigan to obtain a Master of Business Administration in 1963. After graduation, he moved to New York City as an employee of Chase Manhattan Bank. It was at this time that Gary met the love of his life, Mary Waye MacArthur. They enjoyed life together in the big city with excursions to the coast for lobster bakes and cigars, with friends. Thereafter, they married in Grosse Pointe, Michigan on July 2, 1966.

Gary's career then began to grow as he joined the Corporate Finance unit at Merrill Lynch in New York City. He eventually moved his young family to San Francisco to assist in Merrill's Investment Banking operation on the West Coast. In 1973 he was then given the opportunity to open a new Investment Banking office in Chicago. Gary's career continued to expand as his unending ability to strike up a conversation with everyone and learn about an industry to assist every client thus facilitated his growing client base. He eventually transitioned over to Becker Paribas, Lehman Brothers, Everon Securities and then finally to Lincoln International in 1998. It was at Lincoln when Gary was able to work with both younger and senior bankers as Lincoln expanded its presence in the Midwest and around the world. This last stage of work re-invigorated his career as he was able to be on the ground floor of an ever-expanding investment bank. The mutual affection between Gary and Lincoln was evident even in his retirement years.

In addition to Gary's success in the business world, he was equally blessed by a loving and expanding family with 7 grandkids who were able to enjoy his wit, generosity and endless puns, along with a never-ending ability to complete the New York Times crossword puzzles.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary MacArthur Walther; his three children: Kirsten Meadows (Scott), Peter Walther (Katie) and David Walther (Sashi); his dear brother Bill Walther (Shirley); seven grandchildren: Grace Walther, Megan Walther, June Meadows, Mac Walther, Madeline Meadows, Declan Walther and Dane Walther. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Harriett Walther, as well as his brother John Walther.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10:00 am at the Episcopal Christ Church, 784 Sheridan Road, Winnetka, Illinois. Visitation and interment of ashes will be held immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary's name can be made to the North Shore Senior Center (www.nssc.org) in Northfield, Illinois.