Gary VanDer Molen, age 71, a resident of West Chicago, IL, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 28, 2025.  He was born January 30, 1954 in Chicago, IL.

Gary attended Wheaton Christian Grammar School and graduated from Wheaton Academy in 1972. He also attended Trinity Christian College. He worked for School Van, then as the third generation for the family business, continuing with Browning-Ferris Industries until his retirement. He married Karla Sorgatz on June 28, 2003.

Gary was a devoted member of Faith Community Church in West Chicago. He enjoyed woodworking, good food (especially Cooper's Corner and Pietanza's), reading, boating, classic cars, reading about and discussing theology, crossword puzzles, and Dutch heritage. He frequently reminded those around him that he was not lucky to be surrounded by so much love, but rather blessed as all good things come from above.
He is survived by his children Gary J. (Fazia) of Geneva, Cassie (Eric) Brooks of Brownsburg IN, Seth (Chelsea) of Huntsville TX, Aaron (Laura) of West Chicago; his seven grandchildren; his brothers Russell (Leah) and Dennis (Fritzie) of West Chicago; and his dear cat Bella.

He was preceded in death by his wife Karla who died on May 4, 2025; his parents George & Alice (nee Miedema) VanDer Molen, and his brother Craig. Gary showed great dedication to his parents by overseeing their care in their final years.

A visitation will be held at Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., West Chicago, IL 60185, on Saturday, July 12, from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at noon. Burial will be private at Wayne Township Cemetery in West Chicago. A lunch reception will be hosted by Gary's brothers at Cooper's Corner in Winfield from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Faith Community Church or to the ALS Association .

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