ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Gary Mowder.  He lived life to the fullest.  We invite you to browse and enjoy the website. Feel free to leave a tribute, upload photos, or share a story.

Gary Leroy Mowder Funeral Mass:
Date: Monday, March 15, 2021
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location:  St. Joseph Catholic Church
                 121 E Maple Ave
                 Libertyville, IL 60048
                 https://www.stjoseph-libertyville.org/
Masks are required to be worn by all that attend the service. 

Preregistration required to attend service:
St. Joseph Registration Link for Gary L. Mowder Funeral 3/15/21

For family and friends that cannot make the service, please click here for a live stream link that will be posted tomorrow at the following siteSearch Results - Gary Mowder (stjoseph-libertyville.org)r Service

Interment following Funeral Mass:
Location: Ascension Catholic Cemetery
                 1920 Buckley Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048
                  (Bagpipes will be present)
Time:  11:45 - 12:30

Luncheon Following the Funeral Mass:
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Maggiano's Little Italy
                 307 Hawthorn Center
                 Vernon Hills, IL 60061

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to any of the following organizations:
  • Paralyzed Veterans of America
  • Salvation Army
  • Shriners Hospital
  • Hillsdale College
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Transitions Palliative and Hospice Care Center for their incredible support in his final days.  

This is a permanent, interactive website that will constantly evolve over time intended for everyone who loved and was touched by Gary. 

Please click on "LIFE" above to view Gary's obituary. Click on "TRIBUTE" or "ABOUT" to leave a tribute to Gary and/or a message to his family, and click on "STORIES" to share a special story or memory about Susan (and post photos and videos too).
 
March 16, 2021
March 16, 2021
My sincere condolences to Emilia, Michael and family. I have good memories of cousin Gary at family gatherings at Grandma and Grandpa Dupuy’s house every Christmas and holidays. Gary was alway keen with a quick wit and sharp mind and always fun to be around. He will be missed.
March 15, 2021
March 15, 2021
Gary I only met you once but it was enough for me to know that you made a difference in so many people’s lives and that you were an Honorable man and may the Most High in Christ Bless and keep you always.
March 14, 2021
March 14, 2021
We are Gary and Emilia's across the hall neighbors in Florida and we became great friends and met and spoke often the last few years. To say that Gary is irreplaceable is an understatement. His thoughtfulness, integrity and intellect combined with a great sense of humor, contagious laugh, appetite and love of Scotch, made him not just a person to remember, but a person that could never be forgotten or replaced. Gary was the type of person and attorney you would find in an old novel or TV show that inspired admiration. Gary, you will be forever missed. Love, Sandy & Jeffrey
March 14, 2021
March 14, 2021
Amelia and Michael,

My deepest condolences on your loss. Gary was a fantastic man and will be missed - especially at the School Street condos. My life has been enriched by having known him.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Fondly,
Mary S. Schostok
March 14, 2021
March 14, 2021
Thinking of our cousin Gary and and how I looked up to you as I was growing up. Smart, witty and motivated to achieve. What great accomplishments and legacy you leave behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as they grieve your loss.
March 14, 2021
March 14, 2021
Gary was my cousin.  I’ll always remember Gary from my early childhood when our families would spend Thanksgiving and Christmas together on the farm or someone’s home. If I was lucky enough I even got to be his Canasta partner against the grownups during those times. I’ll miss his family emails to all the cousins. RIP Gary!!

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Recent Tributes
March 16, 2021
March 16, 2021
My sincere condolences to Emilia, Michael and family. I have good memories of cousin Gary at family gatherings at Grandma and Grandpa Dupuy’s house every Christmas and holidays. Gary was alway keen with a quick wit and sharp mind and always fun to be around. He will be missed.
March 15, 2021
March 15, 2021
Gary I only met you once but it was enough for me to know that you made a difference in so many people’s lives and that you were an Honorable man and may the Most High in Christ Bless and keep you always.
March 14, 2021
March 14, 2021
We are Gary and Emilia's across the hall neighbors in Florida and we became great friends and met and spoke often the last few years. To say that Gary is irreplaceable is an understatement. His thoughtfulness, integrity and intellect combined with a great sense of humor, contagious laugh, appetite and love of Scotch, made him not just a person to remember, but a person that could never be forgotten or replaced. Gary was the type of person and attorney you would find in an old novel or TV show that inspired admiration. Gary, you will be forever missed. Love, Sandy & Jeffrey
His Life

A Purposeful Life

March 11, 2021
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.
Recent stories
March 13, 2021
I loved my cousin, Gary.   Even though we rarely saw each other in the past several years, our childhood was filled with so many memories and they all bring a smile.   We lived with Gary's parents when my mom was waiting to give birth to my brother so she could be close to the hospital in Peoria.   We spent holidays on the farm taking turns picking on each other and just having fun.  Gary spent hours on legal work for my siblings and myself and our mother when we needed it.   He was everything one could ask for in a cousin and a friend.  We all teased each other unmercifully over the years, but we all enjoyed it.   I think it is no surprise to Gary that my password is "comicbooks" and I'm sure he's getting a laugh out of it.   Heaven is much brighter with Gary there.   Priscilla     

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