Photo courtesy of Kristan Funeral Home - Mundelein
Jan 30, 1959 - Jun 11, 2025
Gary was so inspirational, such a great example of the human spirit. Always loved to see him.
Jeffrey Sloot
July 08, 2025 | Mundelein, IL
Gary at Casa Ybel
Alan Muldawer
June 23, 2025 | OLNEY, MD
Gary at Casa Ybel
Alan Muldawer
June 23, 2025 | OLNEY, MD
So heartbroken to hear this, we have known Gary for many years at Casa Ybel on Sanibel Island and he was always part of our group of kids and then as adults, I know that there is a very special place in heaven for this wonderful soul, may his memory be a blessing.
Alan Muldawer
June 23, 2025 | OLNEY, MD
Remembered By
Brian Reynolds
June 20, 2025 | Palatine, IL | Friend
We are so sorry for your families loss. Gary was such a great neighbor to our family.
He would stop over to visit our kids and always took the time to sing, play and have lots of snacks at our house. He will forever be a Sylvan Lake Angel watching over his neighborhood.
Derek and Patty Hampson
Patty and Derek Hampson
June 19, 2025 | Mundelein, IL | Neighbor
Gary always embodied the true spirit of LHS, especially the class of 1978! He and his big hugs will be missed by all of us.
Lisa (Kincaid) Daniels
June 19, 2025 | Libertyville, IL | Classmate
Nothing better than waking up to the music from Gary singing Oak Ridge Boys songs during the summer mornings in Sylvan Lake.
Ricky Barr
June 18, 2025 | Sturtevant, WI | Neighbor
Our sympathy to the Graham family. I met Gary in high school at a track meet. Gary was good friends with my brother Brian Reynolds, so our paths crossed often through our adult lives. Gary was so loving, a real joy to be around. His love and genuine kindness was a gift to all that met him. He will be missed. Our prayers go up to God thanking Him for Gary.
Mary Reynolds Schoenbeck
Mary Schoenbeck
June 18, 2025 | Arlington Heights, IL | Friend
A celebration of life for Gary John Graham (“Super Fan”), 66, of Mundelein IL., will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Kristan Funeral Home 219 W Maple Ave. Mundelein. The celebration of life will be from 4:00pm to 8:00pm with an informal memorial service tribute at 6:30pm.
Gary was born on January 30th, 1959, in Lake Forest, IL to John and Arilda “Tammy” Graham and passed away peacefully with family by his side on June 11th 2025 at the Serenity Estates of Lincolnshire.
Gary grew up in Sylvan Lake in Mundelein where he was loved by everyone. Gary spent many hours walking the lake talking with everyone he encountered. Gary never met a stranger. Gary loved playing in the Sylvan Lake volleyball league with his nasty “whisper serve” and he enjoyed swimming and bike riding. Gary went to Libertyville H.S. where he attended the Sedol program graduating in 1978. Although Gary was born with Williams Syndrome, that didn’t stop Gary from being very active. Gary was a team manager for both the varsity football and basketball teams. After high school, LHS became Gary’s life love. Gary continued to attend just about every football and basketball, both home and away games, riding on the team bus. He became known as “Super Fan.” The LHS class of 1978 was so special to Gary. Many years ago, they developed a scholarship in Gary’s name called the Spirit award which would go to a senior student who exuded the same school spirit that Gary did and he loved presenting it. They also often had a convertible in the home coming parade with Gary proudly waving to all his fans and man did he love that! Sometime after high school, Gary got a job at Plitt Theatre in Vernon Hills as a ticket taker & usher and he was there from the year they opened until they closed. This is where he met and developed relationships with many of the Chicago Bears such as Dan Hampton, Jay Hilgenberg, Mike Hartenstein, and many others. In fact, Jay Hilgenberg visited Gary at Condell Medical Center when Gary was hospitalized in April of 24’. Dan Hampton also called Gary at the hospital to whish him well. After Gary’s mom passed away, he went on to live a Lambs Farm making many friends. He was able to thrive there for 19 years from 2005 to 2024 working at the pet shop. Gary performed in the Special Olympics earning medals in bocce ball, tennis, and track. Gary loved Lambs Farm and his family is extremely grateful for the care and opportunities provided to him. Gary’s biggest fans were his Mom and Dad. His Mom called him her “Prince” and Dad and Gary were best buddies!
Gary is survived by sisters Paula (Mike Clark) Graham, Judy (Bill) O’Brien, his brother Peter (Melissa) Graham and many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly; Gaea, Krista, Erika, Lesley, Shauna, Hayley, Kyle, Sean, Blake, and Gabrielle.
Gary is predeceased by his parents, John & Tammy.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation in memory of Gary Graham to Lambs Farm at 14245 W. Rockland Rd., Libertyville, IL. 60048 or you could donate via this link: https://lambsfarm.org/ways-to-give/make-a-donation/
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