Gary Solfisburg

Gary E. Solfisburg, 82, of Montgomery, IL passed away peacefully December 10, 2017, at Seasons Hospice surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born September 24, 1935 in Aurora, Illinois, son of Gerald & Virginia Solfisburg. Gary served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960 and then in the Army Reserves until 1964. He worked at Western Electric for 36 years and retired in 1991. He had a passion for music and could play the soprano horn, acoustic and electric guitars and the piano. He was member of the Aurora “Moose Minutemen” / Vaqueros Drum & Bugle Corps in High School in the 50’s. In the 70’s he helped to form the Fox Valley Raiders Drum & Bugle Corp and served as their Director for 7 years. One of his corps students, Scott Wagner said it best “Gary was a man that dedicated his time to the betterment of kids”. He was a beloved part of the Raiders family and will be missed by the many whose lives he touched. Gary and his wife Bonnie enjoyed attending Drum & Bugle Corp Shows for many years. Gary also was a well-known ham radio operator (WA90FH). He made many friends around the world by communicating with them in Morse code and talking to them on his radio. He was known for his sense of humor and always kept his grandchildren laughing. He also loved animals and enjoyed riling them up. He had a passion for food and always shared his favorites with his beloved family. His children and grandchildren will always remember him for making the “Best” breakfasts ever. Gary is survived by his wife Bonnie (Bruesewitz) Solfisburg. After they retired they spent many years traveling to across the country and would spend months during the winter in either Florida or South Padre Island, TX. Together, they were always there for family and friends; never saying no to anyone in need. Gary is also survived by his sister, Tami Benson, nephews Everett (Michelle) Benson, Rollin Benson, and niece Cheri (David) Beebe, great nephews JT and Rollin Jr. and great nieces Katie and Stephanie. He is also survived by his ex -wife Paula (Grosso) Solfisburg and his children, Steven (Kham) Solfisburg, Eric (Noha) Solfisburg, Laura (Larry) Jaros, Marc (Loretta) Solfisburg, Jon Solfisburg, Laurie (Scott) Wise, Robin (Dave) Spang and Bill (Betty) Langford. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy. Grandchildren - Jason, Ryan, Christopher and Jenna Solfisburg, Corey (Lucy) Jaros, Tyler, Andrea and Natalie Jaros (Chris), Samantha Solfisburg, Aaron, Alex and Alicia Wise, Erica Constant, Kelly DeGarmo, Jim (Gussie) Bell, Leanne Bell, Taylor and Bailey Langford. Great grandchildren – Dakota, Olivia, Noah, Elijah, Kailey, Peyton, Sawyer, Levi, Malen, Lola and Karina.He was preceded in death by his parents Gerald & Virginia Solfisburg, daughter Deborah Solfisburg, his brother-in-law Butch Benson, his granddaughter Angela Wise and many aunts, uncles & cousins. Family will be receiving guests Thursday, December 14, 2017 from 3 pm until time of service at 7 pm at Dieterle Memorial Home, 1120 S. Broadway, Montgomery, IL 60538. The family would like to thank Symphony/Tillers of Oswego, IL and Seasons Hospice of Naperville, IL for caring and loving way that they took care of not only Gary but the entire family. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Seasons Hospice of Naperville, Illinois. For guestbook and directions visit www.dieterlememorialhome.com 630-897-1196