Gary N. Fraley, age 79, a resident of Naperville, Illinois, passed away on November 14, 2020.  He was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon, on April 7, 1941, and was the first of Norman & Geanne Fraley's four sons.

Gary's lifelong call to ministry began at the age of twelve while attending church camp.  He graduated from San Jose Bible College in 1965 and was ordained to pastoral ministry in the same year.  Pastoring churches in Oregon, California, Wisconsin and Illinois, he was well-known for his memorable visual illustrations and his clear teaching of the Bible.  "Study to shew thyself approved unto God… rightly dividing the Word of truth," describes his commitment to Word-centered preaching and teaching.  Gary also served with the Institute in Basic Life Principles where he assisted with the writing of many publications and teaching at various conferences.  His faithful ministry has made a lasting impact on many lives.  Anyone who knew Gary is well-aware of his many adventures in the great outdoors.  A wonderful storyteller, his encounters with elk, bear, deer, and even a shark, were always a way to tell about the Father's faithfulness and deliverance.  His family was included in many of his adventures, and fond memories were made biking, camping, hunting, and canoeing.  Other interests included woodworking, knot tying, framing, calligraphy, and autoharp.  Gary was a devoted, loving husband to his wife of 59 years, Loretta.  His love for his three daughters and their families was evident through his daily investment of time, prayer, counsel, hard work and kindness in their lives.  Gary's greatest love was for his Savior, Jesus Christ, and he walked the trail of life with a joyful laugh and a deep trust in his Father.

Gary is survived by his wife, Loretta; his three daughters Deborah (Jeffrey) Sparrow, Elizabeth (John) Newby and Anna (Christian) Smith; his 19 grandchildren: Caleb (Amanda) Sparrow, Hannah (Micah) Bennett, Joshua (Michaela) Sparrow, Ethan (Leah) Sparrow, Abigail Sparrow, Ruth (Ryan) Gregornik, Lydia Newby, Keren Newby, Julia (Kobus) Labuschagne,Timothy Smith, Bethany (Daniel) Sanders, Rebecca Smith, Luke (Brianna) Smith, Grace Smith, Lily Smith, Paul Smith, Patience Smith, Mark Smith and Nathanael Smith; and his 10 great-grandchildren: Sonya, Danielle, Eliza, & Talia Sparrow, Laelynn Bennett, Jackson Sparrow, Adeline, Phoebe, & Olive Gregornik, and Naomi Labuschagne.  Gary is also survived by his two brothers Robert Fraley (Kim Taylor) and Jay Fraley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Fraley, and his great-grandson Asher Sparrow.

A private graveside service will be held at Wheaton Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to view a livestream of the service on Tuesday, November 24 at 11:00 a.m. here: https://youtu.be/ErXr8L9kXnY.

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