Gary H. Kirchner, age 84, a resident of Wheaton, IL, died January 27, 2024, in Wheaton, Illinois.  He was born January 19, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois to Howard and Ruth Kirchner.

Gary grew up in Portage Park and relocated with his family to Villa Park, where he met the love of his life, Geri, and they married in 1960. He was in the Church choir while attending high school and in later years, he was a high school youth director. Gary enlisted in the Army in 1958, where he served for 3 years. Following the military, Gary worked in the printing industry until he retired. Gary also served as a member of the Creekside Homeowners Association Board of Directors and gave back to the community in many ways.

Gary had many interests, including hunting, fishing, golfing, hockey, and boating. He loved spending summers at their summer home in Michigan with his family. His grandkids called him Papa and he was close to each one of them. Gary had a great sense of humor and a unique talent for making people laugh. His favorite saying was, "I'm so glad that you had the opportunity to meet me"

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Geri Kirchner; daughters, Kimberly (Kenneth) DeGroote, Penny Kirchner, and Lisa (Bob) Jancevich; grandchildren, Amber, Austin and Zachary DeGroote, Taylor and Tessa Jancevich; brother-in-law Ronald Rymut, and beloved grandog, Murph. Gary was also a very fond uncle to his nephews and nieces.

A visitation will be held Thursday, February 22nd from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main Street in Wheaton with military honors presented at 6:00pm. A  memorial service will be held the following day, February 23rd at 10:00am at Our Savior's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., in Naperville. All are welcome to attend.

Memorial gifts may be directed to The Asher House , PO Box 2159, Estacada, OR 97023.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.