Gary E. Sherwood, age 63, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026. He was born June 8, 1963, in Des Plaines to Edward & Beatrice Sherwood.

As a youth, Gary could not sit still. Growing up in Addison, he could often be found roaming the neighborhood with his brother Brad; playing baseball with the neighborhood children, skitching on snowy roads, or getting into some form of trouble. His mother and grandmother were beacons of guidance to him, and through them he was introduced to the Mormon Church. He attended Sunday school regularly, and through the church joined a Boy Scout troop, eventually obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a bright and driven young boy, and that light never dimmed well into his later years.

In fact, that light grew ever brighter in 1983, when he met Jennifer. They met outside of a 7-Eleven when Jenny asked Gary to buy her some beer. What started as a chance encounter blossomed into a lifelong romance. They were married in 1989 on a chilly day in April, in front of a small intimate gathering at a local church. They went on to build a family and create a lasting partnership.

In 1990, Gary used the inheritance left to him by his grandmother, Anna Johnson, to fund the establishment of his carpet cleaning and flood restoration company, Americlean. He treated clients and employees as family, carrying out every job as if the work was being done to his own home. Through his hard work and dedication, Americlean flourished and developed into a successful family business, sustaining him and his family for over 30 years.

Goofy and good-natured, Gary was a source of life and laughter outside of work. Whether it was late-night poker games, poolside barbecues, or drinking around a bonfire while listening to Creed, Gary’s presence was undeniable. He styled himself as a “nunchuck master”, and never missed an opportunity to be disappointed by the Chicago sports teams, especially the Bears. He cherished time spent on the golf course with friends, and his son Mark, creating memories that would be treasured forever.

Above all else, he valued his family. A beloved father of five, he made sure to instill values and tradition into all of his children. There was never a Christmas without a tree and lights, never a Thanksgiving where grace wasn’t said at the dining room table, and hardly ever a Fourth of July when fireworks - of questionable legality - weren’t set off in the street. As a brother, he was a source of joy, pride, and unwavering support. He lived his life to the fullest.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jennifer; his children Lindsay Barrett, Matthew (Risa Langford) Sherwood, Mark Sherwood, Lauren (Jonathan Brewer) Sherwood & Jake Sherwood; his grandchildren Braden VanGemert, Henry VanGemert, Jade Brewer & Corbin Sherwood; his siblings Kurt Johnson, Pam Johnson & Kim (Darin) Neuman. Also survived by many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Barbara Sgroe & Bradley Sherwood.

A private burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Forest Park, Illinois. A memorial service is being planned for a future date. Please check back for details.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the American Cancer Society.