Gary L. Mowder, 80, of Highland Beach, Florida passed away on Monday, March 8, 2021, at his home in Illinois surrounded by family. Gary was born July 21, 1940, in Peoria, Illinois to the late Earl and Cora Mowder. After graduating from the University of Illinois in Champaign in 1963 with a B.S. in Chemistry, he went on to receive an LLB from the University's College of Law with honors in 1965. He served in the National Guard in the 1960s. Gary and his wife, Emilia, were residents of Highland Beach, Florida, and Libertyville, Illinois. They also maintained a summer home in Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Gary was a partner at Schiff Hardin LLP in Chicago, IL where he practiced law for 55 years until his retirement. Gary concentrated his practice in corporate, banking, and sports law. He worked for many midwest banks, including Northern Trust. In the 1970's he represented Bill Veeck when he owned the Chicago White sox and continued to work for the team until it was sold. In the late 80's, Gary became outside counsel to the Chicago Bears Organization. He worked on the Bear's practice facility in Lake Forest, Illinois and became heavily involved in negotiations on the new Soldier Field Stadium.
Gary was a member of the ABA, Illinois State Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association and has served on the board of directors of several public and private companies. During his illustrious career, he received numerous honors as an Illinois Leading Lawyer and was voted by his peers to The Best Lawyers in America publication.
Since retiring, Gary and his wife enjoyed golfing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Gary was predeceased by his parents Earl and Cora Mowder, his first wife Susan Mowder and sister & brother-in-law Barbara and Roger Larson. He is survived by his wife Emilia Kokun-Mowder, his son Michael B. Mowder, and his grandson Jackson Paul Mowder.