Gaylord Paul Cekander

Gaylord Paul Cekander, 95, of Champaign died at 10:37am on Friday, September 15, 2023, surrounded by family. Gaylord was born on December 19, 1927, to Charles & Edith (Polk) Cekander in Champaign. He married Barbara (Kimbrell) Cekander on January 15, 1950. She preceded him in death 40 years to the day, September 15, 1983. They were married 33 years and had 11 children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother (Charles Cekander); two sisters (Esther Burt & Marjorie Thrasher); and his infant son (Tracy Cekander).

Gaylord is survived by his children: Randall (Debbie) Cekander, Cindy Cekander (Mitch Morgan), Valerie (Rick) Mathis; Jerry (Jenni) Cekander, Betsy (Brad) Parks; Sally Cekander (Pete Wenzl); Amy (Keith) Perry; Jody Cekander; Joanny (Brad) Garrison; and Robby (Shelly) Cekander; 18 grandchildren, Barbara Bracewell; Andy Cekander; Jacob (Heather) Mathis; Brittany (Luke) Anderson Putnam; Marya (Kyle) Fenton; Samantha (Sam) Hendon; Jaclyn (Cory) Edwards; Melanie Klitzing; Chelsea (Tyler) Finkbeiner; Zachary (Madalyn) Parks; Alexis Perry; Amanda Perry; Hayden Cekander; Caleb Apperson; Parker Garrison; Charlie Cekander; Morgan Apperson; Preston Garrison; and his 16 great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Philo High School and began farming, which he did for 45 years. He was a member of St. Johns Lutheran of Champaign. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, raising quarter horses, and playing euchre.

Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 19 at Sunset Funeral Home, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL, followed by a private family service and burial at Craw Cemetery in Sadorus.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation.