Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Gary Minton Obituary
Gary was an active stamp enthusiast and collector, was the past president of the Herrin Tiger Booster Club, and proudly served his country while in the Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict. Gary earned his bachelor's degree and went on to become a biologist and was an employee for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Survivors include a daughter, Brandy Minton of Energy; two sons, John (Kim) Van Pelt of Springfield, IL, and Brad (Angelina) Van Pelt of Whiteman Air Force Base, MO; two brothers, Carl D. "Rusty" (Jeanette) Minton of Florence, OR, and Roger (Nancy) Minton of Sandwich, IL; and one sister, Pamela (Mark) Kandlbinder of St. Charles, MO; four grandchildren, Jordan Van Pelt, Brooke Van Pelt, Ian Van Pelt, and Alison Van Pelt; his step-mother, Isabelle Minton of Rogers, AR; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were conducted Monday, July 28, at 11:00 am, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Alto Pass with Rev. Randall Grace officiating. Interment will be in the Alto Pass cemetery with full military honors by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of Anna. Memorials may be made to the Herrin Tiger's Booster Club and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Alto Pass is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Minton
Carolyn (Lauing) Finzer
July 20, 2025
On September 12th, 2025 the Naperville Community High School Class of 1965 will be having a one night 60th reunion at the Judd Kendall VFW Post on Jackson Avenue...many like Gary have passed over the years since graduation and like him many served their country in the military,
On Saturday, July 12th I took an "Acoustic Ecology" workshop at the CONSERVATION FOUNDATION led by a Pokegon Pottawatomi woman. Part of the class was to walk the grounds listening for natural and man made sounds. I spotted 2 MONARCH BUTTERFLIES dancing in the pollinator meadow full of clover and other field flowers...in Mexico it is the belief that when a MONARCH lands on you it is the spirit of a deceased relative or friend coming to say "I LOVE YOU and TAKE CARE OF THE EARTH"...Gary visited me in the field that afternoon and I remembered his pure joy in caring for NATURE.
"May the GREAT SPIRIT watch over you, as long as the grasses grow and the rivers flow".
PEACE be with you, Gary!
Carolyn (Lauing) Finzer
Carolyn (Lauing) Finzer
July 20, 2024
This summer of 2024 saw the emergence of two broods of CICADA in Illinois I do believe Gary would have reveled in seeing them. Many years ago my husband of 55 years (Mel) was a captain for UNITED AIRLINES and would make flights to Beijing, China...our two daughters andI gotto rxperience the ancient tourist sites of the Pre-Olympic Beijing and one of the strange places we visited was the Dirt Market (a form of flea market where orange sand from the Gobi desert carried on the high winds would dump on the city)....the trader-vendor tables were covered in grit, but I noticed that at many of the displays there were small carved JADE effigies of Cicadas...I was intregued and bought 6 of them in various colors yet wondered about their significance to the culture? I located a Chinese-English interpreter-tour guide who explained to me that during China"s dynastic eras when the emperor died his body was entombed with a jade cicada inside of his mouth...this was a symbol of REBIRTH and HOPE.
The Naperville Community High School Class of 1965 will gather for their 59th reunion on September 20th at Naperville's VFW Post. Some will also attend the Friday night Homecoming football game and we will remember the strong and agile athletes including Gary who competed in the Little 7 and Upstate 8 arenas.
The ones we LOVE are always close by on our hearts.
Carolyn (Lauing) Finzer, Classof '65 secretary
Carolyn (Lauing) Finzer, Naperville, IL. Classs of '65
July 20, 2023
My dear classmate Gary would always stop for a visit when he was in Naperville...we both share a commitment to NATURE and environmental causes...one of Naperville's SISTER CITIES is Patzcuaro,Mexico, where the MONARCH Butterflies winter over in the Michoacan Oyamel trees...I do MONARCH BUTTERFLY conservation programs and treasure the belief that when a Monarch lands on you in the garden it is the SPIRIT of a loved one coming to greet you! My birthday is July 24th (I will be 76). A Monarch landed on me this week and I knew it was Gary.
"May the footprints we leave behind show that we've walked in kindness to the earth and every living thing"....Native American philosophy
Carolyn (Lauing) Finzer
Tom Shaff
August 2, 2008
I knew Gary and Rusty in highschool, I can still remember Garys warm smile. I pray for comfort for the minton family. May Jesus Christ be with you always Gary.
Carolyn Lauing-Finzer
July 31, 2008
Dear Gary, who loved ALL CREATURES great and small..."the deep PEACE of the running creek to you...the deep PEACE of the flowing air to you...the deep PEACE of the quiet earth to you...the deep PEACE of the shining stars to you...and the deep PEACE of the SON of PEACE to you"...journey on to that place of eternal rest and abundant joy...I send my love and prayers to you and your family...Carolyn Lauing-Finzer, secretary for the NCHS Class of '65
Mark
July 30, 2008
We all know the story about, the big one that got away. Gary had a few of those stories, the one about that big beaver, that escaped his trap, or the big bass that was just so close from being landed. We all heard stories about the big buck that just stood out of reach, Or that big ol' tom turkey that wouldn't come over that hill.
We all have heard those stories that Gary was so good of relating. One of my favorites was the one from just this past spring turkey season. Gary and his son Brad was out hunting, After Gary shot his Turkey his son Brad shot over his shoulder and scared him. He talked about this because it was his first double, and the joy he shared out there with his son. To hear me tell this story is nothing, but to hear Gary tell this story would bring tears to ones eyes in laughter. He related many family stories about his brothers, his sister and many other family of friends, that he so dearly loved, that we can all remember and laugh about. It is the way he would want it now.
We all shared in these stories from time to time, and now hold them as a memory. Gary is a mentor to many, from those whom he shared his knowledge of the outdoors, or from the high school Booster club, he participated in so proudly. Even the doctors and nurses that knew and treated Gary knew what a great person he was. It didn't matter to Gary how bad he felt, he would greet with a smile. No matter who it was that come in Contact with Gary walked away with knowledge they recieved from just talking with him. His infectious smile, his great sense of humor. and the wonderful person he is in memory. Now in my mind, he is, "The Big One That Got Away". You taught me much, and I cherish the times we shared. You are the greatest brther-in-law any man could ask for. Until we meet again Rest in Peace and know your always in my prayers.
Dan & Sherry Benton
July 30, 2008
Our deepest condolences. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Joan Wiener
July 28, 2008
Gary You will be missed by the class of 65 NCHS. You were a truly a nice person with an infectious smile.
I remeber you well. My Sympathy to your family
Joan Wiener
Cory Freeman
July 28, 2008
Gary, many a good time we had with Rusrty and friends. The old quarry and tag swimming games. Then the Prom preparation our Junior year and getting the flagstone from the Joliet quarry. Rest in piece my fellow brother in arms.
Joyce Koretke
July 28, 2008
You were truly a "gentle" man. Thank you for being a part of our lives. NCHS reunions will not be the same without you.
Linda Hedblom Edwards
July 27, 2008
Gary, we grew up together while Naperville grew. What a wonderful time and place to have grown up in. I'll always remember your great sense of humor and warm smile.
Barbara Hansen
July 27, 2008
Gary
You will truly be missed by family, friends, and co workers. I only met you a couple of times but know your
Sister Pam very well.
Dick Jenkins
July 27, 2008
Gary: Go in peace. The Class of '65 will miss you. We all stayed in touch somehow, and we all cared about every one else. You were one of the good guys.
Jane Burke
July 27, 2008
Gary, we will miss you. Those of us from the class of NCHS '65 have always cared about one another, and it is hard to lose a classmate. Your last months were a struggle, I know, and you fought a good fight. Go with God.
Shaun Mitchell
July 27, 2008
So many great memories were made as I grew up around you. Brad and I were always ready to go anywhere with you. You helped to mold me into the man I am today. What a wonderful person to know! Gary was always willing to help anyone who needed it and gave great advice. The stories you told will always be remembered and missed listening to. My love goes out to Brad, Brandi, and John!!
Wayne Morris
July 27, 2008
My deepest sympathy on your loss, although I did not know your father well, my association with him showed him to be an admirable man with a deep committment to his family and community.
Don Wolgast
July 26, 2008
I'll miss your sense of humor and our occassional telephone conversations and memories of NCHS.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Gary Minton's name
Memorial Events
for Gary Minton
How to support Gary's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Gary Minton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
