Gary H. Bednar

Gary Henry Bednar Age 83, formerly of Mokena, IL, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on February 22, 2025. Gary was born in Milwaukee, WI to the late Henry and Selma (nee Sohlo) Bednar. Beloved husband of 53 years and best friend of the late Diane (nee Elder) Bednar; loving father of the late Kimberlee, Terri (Mike) Ward and Jennie (Dave) Richards; cherished grandfather of Calley (Brad) Grogan, Jessica (Mike) Nowak, Mallory Olson, Alexandra (Matt) Doherty, Jake Breit, Megan (Easton) Kowalski, Michael (Deana) Ward, Matthew (Alyssa) Ward, Zachary (Mayara) Richards, and Mark Richards; proud great grandfather of 11; dear brother of John (Melinda) Bednar, Cheryl (Ron) Sandefur, Dennis (Joan) Bednar, James (fiancée Nancy Ortiz) Bednar, and the late Mary Kay Buhmann; loved brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend of many. 

As a young child his love of the Catholic Church began while he attended Gesu Grade School in Milwaukee, WI. The family moved to Chicago where he became a paperboy to pay his way through the De La Salle Institute (as well as enjoy an occasional movie and Mars Bar). He joined the U.S. Air Force where he met the love of his life, Diane, while stationed in Duluth, MN. They married and moved to Chicago where he worked at International Harvester and General Motors as a tool and die maker while building their home in Mokena. Hired by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office he was promoted to Sergeant and had the privilege of serving the community while working with a great group of people that became like family. After retiring, he completed Diaconate training and had the honor of serving as a Deacon at St. Mary Mokena Catholic Church. 

He was a fun-loving man who had full confidence that anyone could do anything that they set their mind to. He was always willing to lend a hand, a piece of advice, sometimes a song, and his favorite catchphrases like “Pleasure comparing notes with you.” He loved time with family and friends, reading, and traveling. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Gary’s family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis Road, New Lenox, IL 60451 on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 3PM – 8PM. Funeral service, Saturday, March 1, 2025, with prayers at the funeral home at 10:15 AM to St. Mary Catholic Church, Mokena, IL for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at St. Mary Catholic Church Cemetery, Mokena, IL.