Gary Raymond Wahlheim

1935 - 2022

Gary Raymond Wahlheim

April 29, 1935-February 3, 2022

GENESEO-Gary Raymond Wahlheim, 86, of Geneseo, IL passed away on Thursday, February 3, 2022, in Phoenix, AZ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Malachy's Catholic Church, Geneseo, IL, on Friday, February 18, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at Vandemore Funeral Home – Geneseo Chapel from 4-7 p.m. Rosary will be held prior to visitation at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Abilities Plus or Geneseo Education Foundation (Sports and Music).

Gary was born on April 29, 1935, to Elmer and Anita (Ottwein) Wahlheim in Jacksonville, IL. He graduated from Geneseo High School. After graduating high school, Gary went on to attend Millikin College and Augustana College where he played football for two years. He married Patricia Fiers on December 29, 1956, who preceded him in death in 2001. He later married Maxine Nelson on February 18, 2003, in Geneseo, IL. He worked at Natural Gas Pipeline for 40 years before retiring in 1997. Gary was very involved in his community and took pride in being a part of building the youth football and basketball programs. He coached the Lions Little League Football team and Little League Basketball for many years. Gary served as Alderman for the City of Geneseo for several terms, member of Kiwanis Club and on Abilities Plus Building Committee. He was a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 100 and served on the board for Illowa Council for Boy Scouts. Gary was a member of St. Malachy's Catholic Church and the Geneseo Country Club, where he enjoyed rounds of golf with friends and family. He was an avid supporter of Geneseo High School Athletics. He and his wife Pat hardly ever missed any of their children's high school or college sporting events and activities. Gary treasured the time that he got to spend with his family, traveling on family vacations and visiting his children and grandchildren. Gary enjoyed his daily visits to the Geneseo Donut Shop. While wintering in Mesa, AZ, he enjoyed his socializing with friends while eating breakfast at IHOP, playing cards and golfing. He shared his love for cinnamon rolls and donuts with his great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Maxine Wahlheim; children, Debbie (Brian) Hardesty of Marysville, WA, Brian (Vicki) Wahlheim of Geneseo, IL, Roger (Renee) Wahlheim of Edmond, OK, Rhonda (Kelly) Powell of LeSueur, MN. Gary was blessed with 13 grandchildren, Ryan Williams, Hope (Tony) Williams – Correale, Derek (Becky) Wahlheim, Drew (Abby) Williams, Kyle (Jeanna) Hardesty, Michael (Amber) Wahlheim, Danica (Ben) Lemieux, Aron (Taylor) Wahlheim, Monica (Peter) Carscallen, Grant (Hilary) Wahlheim, Anna Hardesty, Jaclyn (Jeremy) Pope, Sam Wahlheim. Maxine's sons Dave (Terri) Nelson of Geneseo, IL, and Chuck Nelson of Kewanee, IL and 16 great-grandchildren. Brother, Bill (Virginia) Wahlheim of Huntsville, AL, and sister, Bonnie (Darrel) Edson of Tempe, AZ.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Anita Wahlheim, and first wife, Patricia (Fiers) Wahlheim.