Gary Albers

Thomasboro – Gary L. Albers, 75, of Thomasboro went to be with the Lord Friday, October 4th, 2024, at Carle Hospital in Urbana.

Days prior, he spoke of all his visitors who were asking him to go with them – Grandma, Grandpa, Robbie, and other who went before him. He playfully argued with them that he was “not going Wednesday, maaaybe Thursday" because he wasn’t ready yet, but he was excited to go “play euchre with Bill (Sjoken) and Uncle Johnny (Martin)."

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.” (Romans 8:18)

Gary was born July 3, 1949, in Urbana, middle son of Herman and Rosina (Huls) Albers. He married Bonnie Houston on June 30, 1973, in Champaign. She survives.

Survivors also include two sons: Jeff of rural Rantoul, and Jamie (Sara) of Pekin; two brothers: Leon (Pauline) of Thomasboro, and Steve of Flatville; and many nieces and nephews. He filled the role of Grandpa for 4 and Opa to 5. Two peas in a pod, Andrew held an incredibly special place in his heart.

Gary was a hard worker, and a lifetime learner and teacher, able to build or fix almost anything. He worked 29 years at Colwell, 40+on the family farm, and was a U.S. Army National Guard veteran. He was honest, loyal, kind, and a loving family man. He enjoyed woodworking, listening to LPs, playing cards, and family gatherings the most. Gary was a dedicated blood donor, with his final gift being organ and tissue donation through GiftOfHope.org.

A special thank you to his in-laws who never treated him as an outlaw, Mitch for his decades-long friendship, and God and His angels for giving us nearly 18 bonus years with him. We are eternally grateful.

Cremation has been accorded by Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul. Visitation will be Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 1-2 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2 pm.