Gary Gilbert Lickfett

Gary Gilbert Lickfett, 76, passed away at his home in Danville, with his loving wife by his side, early in the morning of October 10, 2022.

Gary was born on March 31, 1946, in Glencoe, Minnesota, to Gilbert and LaVon (Wagner) Lickfett. He was the oldest of three children and grew up on a dairy farm near Brownton, Minnesota. He attended the Brownton schools and graduated from Brownton High School in 1964. The long bus ride to and from school each day provided time to read "How To" books on electrical wiring and electronics. These learned skills were used throughout his life. He earned a BA degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota Morris in 1968.

Upon graduation from UMM he enlisted in the United States Army. Gary was subject to the draft for the Vietnam War, and by enlisting he was able to choose his Army specialty. Gary completed basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, and went on for advanced individual training as a Social Work/Psychology Specialist at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. He was assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, until June 1970, when he was deployed to the 98th Med Det (KO) Hospital in Da Nang, South Vietnam. He received an honorable discharge from the Army following his return to the United States in June 1971.

On July 24, 1971, Gary married Dorothy Jensen in Glencoe, Minnesota, and in 2022 they celebrated 51 years of marriage. They had three sons: Jay, Todd, and Timothy.

Gary was accepted into a psychology graduate school program at Hollins College, Roanoke, Virginia, and in 1972 completed a MA degree in Experimental Psychology. He then attended Purdue University and completed one year of study towards a PhD degree in Industrial Psychology and Ergonomics.

After graduate school Gary began a 33-year career in manufacturing and technical services that included 12 years at Core Lube/Santec near Westville, 18 years at Chem-Cast in Danville, and several years as a manufacturing safety consultant and trainer. While at Core Lube and Chem-Cast he held a variety of positions related to the production of industrial sand cores. At Core Lube Gary was a welder, plumber, and electrician in the machine fabrication shop, before transitioning to a role in technical support and customer service. During his time at Chem-Cast he was Manager of Plant Services, then Manger of Human Resources, and was responsible for personnel, safety, purchasing, plant engineering, maintenance, and government compliance. Gary was particularly proud of the early years at Chem-Cast and helping plan the building of the physical structure of the new company.

Over the years, Gary and Dorothy enjoyed renovating their homes in Williamsport, Indiana; and in Ridge Farm and Danville, Illinois. Gary had the ability to plan and carry out all types of construction work, whether it was the renovation of their first home in Williamsport, restoration of their 1867 Victorian home in Ridge Farm, or the additions of a garage, bedrooms, sunporch, and 50 steps down to the water to their Lake Vermilion home in Danville. He was the "go to" friend to help family members and friends with home remodeling projects.

Throughout his sons school years, he was a dedicated dad following school activities, and taught them a variety of skills through 4-H, home improvement, electrical, and car restoration projects. He coached one of his sons Odyssey of the Mind team for several years, and in 1997 led the first team from Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School to qualify for the OM World Competition in Maryland.

During the 28 years living in Ridge Farm, Gary served several terms on the Ridge Farm Town Board and belonged to the Ridge Farm Lions Club.

Gary grew up listening to Minnesota polka music that his dad played in the barn while milking the cows, and as an adult he enjoyed many types of music. He began his years of playing trombone in junior high school. As an adult he acquired a double bell euphonium which he played when performing with the Danville Municipal Band for about 30 years and also with the St. James United Methodist Church Orchestra. He sang in the church choir and played with the bell choir. When his grandchildren visited, Gary was especially happy to play his double bell euphonium with his grandson on baritone, and his granddaughter on trombone. He was an active member of St. James United Methodist Church until his illness, serving on a variety of church boards, helping teach the Keystone Sunday School class, and participating with the different musical groups.

He loved his three grandchildren and enjoyed encouraging their talents and interests. He was happiest being called Papa by four-year-old Jack.

In 1990 Gary auditioned to be a salesman in the DLO Musical Theatre production of The Music Man. He soon discovered he preferred working behind the scenes and he would go on to a 30-year commitment to DLO as the master set builder. In later years also helped with the Beef House Dinner Theatre sets. He was admired for his imagination and attention to detail, always willing to bring a set idea to life and create unusual props. Through the years he was involved in the production of 66 productions. Gary was DLO president for 6 years and served on the board for many years. His friendships with board members and casts went beyond the hours spend working on a production together, and he gained satisfaction and pleasure from teaching younger cast members building skills. Gary was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2020, shortly after the DLO organization purchased their new location on Walnut Street. He was able to help coordinate the work of contractors with the goal of creating a more usable site to house and consolidate all former DLO work and rehearsal spaces. He continued to give his time and share his knowledge of building renovation, sets, and community contact knowledge until his death.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; sons- Jay (Kara), of San Diego, California, Todd (Julie), of Englewood, Colorado, and Timothy, of Hindsboro, Illinois; and three grandchildren- Garrett (16), Caroline (11), and Jack (4). He is also survived by his two sisters- Virginia (James) Brodd, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, and Vickie (Steve) Sandven, of Redwood Falls, Minnesota; sister-in-law Judy (Charles) Gensmer, of North Oaks, Minnesota; and nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his parents.

There is no doubt of Garys love for his family and friends, and he expressed it in so many ways, especially throughout his three-year illness. He will be remembered for his keen, inquiring mind, and kindness to all he interacted with.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834, on Friday, October 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. A service of Remembrance, Victory, Celebration, and Hope is planned for Saturday, October 15, at 11 a.m., at St. James United Methodist Church, 504 N. Vermilion, Danville, IL. Interment will be at the National Cemetery, Danville, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Gary to DLO Musical Theatre, P.O. Box 264, Danville, IL, 61834 or to St. James United Methodist Church, 504 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, IL, 61832. Please join his family in sharing memories through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

The Saturday Service will be livestreamed on Facebook with a recording available after the Service:

https://www.facebook.com/SaintJamesDanville/

https://www.stjames-umc.com/

Services Visitation Friday October 14, 2022 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834 Funeral Service Saturday October 15, 2022 11:00 AM St James United Methodist Church