Gary G. Frey

Gary G. Frey, of Springfield, Illinois, left this life on Saturday, April 10, 2021 after a long courageous battle with the ravages of diabetes and COPD. The son of the late John J. Frey and Monica M. Frey of Effingham, Gary leaves behind his heartbroken wife and family: Linda “Lin” Burgar Frey, children Andrew Frey (Heather Keafer Bates) of Riverton and Amanda (Alex) Pack of Penfield; stepchildren, Mikal Sutton (Jeremy Allen), Zachary Sutton (Anna), Caitlin Tom (Theo), and Taylor Sutton (Sean Burget); grandchildren, Mia, Bella, and Austin Pack, Eithan and Brodee Bates, Eli, Jake, Mikey, Harrison, Sam and Ben Allen, Abigail and Elizabeth Sutton, and Willow and Vivian Tom.

He is also survived by brothers, Kenneth (Cheryl), Alan (Joan) and Jeffrey (Jacque) Frey, all of the Effingham area, and Douglas Frey of Missouri; sister, Linda Kirchoffer (Darwin) of Shumway and numerous nephews and nieces.

Gary was a hell-raiser, a one-of-a-kind man who lived every day to the fullest. His objective was to live life with no regrets. He served in the Illinois National Guard. He was an avid biker, riding his Harley Davidson Softtail as often as possible, on poker runs, or out to ‘romp ‘n stomp’ in his Dodge Ram. He worked as a carpenter, in apartment maintenance, and as an over the road trucker. After a workplace accident in 2001, he retired from trucking, and took a position at Montvale Estates, then with Springfield Housing. He enjoyed interacting with co-workers and tenants alike, always ready to put a smile on someone’s face with a quick remark.

Gary returned to college to fulfill his dreams of obtaining a Bachelor’s degree. He started at Lincoln Land Community College and completed his coursework at Benedictine University, graduating cum laude in 2010 with a business degree and a minor in finance, all while working full time.

Gary had a ready smile and liked nothing better than to keep a room of people laughing. He loved his German shepherd dogs and cats. He loved classic rock, the louder the better. And he loved chatting or playing with his grandchildren or giving them a tickle session.

Even as he fought off multiple health issues, he remained upbeat and stoic, determined to overcome, making light of his situation, and trying not to burden others with his problems. Gary had a heart as big as all outdoors and was an impressive example of rising to challenges and being the best you can be. He will be forever missed, and forever in our hearts.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.

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