Gary Edward Mede, 89, passed away April 21, 2026. He was born November 29, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois.

Gary grew up on Chicago’s northwest side and graduated from Taft High School in 1954. In 1955, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Kitzingen, Germany, before being transferred to West Point Military Academy. After his service, he pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Denver and a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Illinois. He later achieved the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Gary married Eleanor Kuehn in 1958, beginning a lifelong partnership.

He began his career with the Illinois Agricultural Association in Normal, Illinois, and also taught finance at Illinois State University. In 1970, he became Vice President, Treasurer, and a member of the Board of Directors at All American Life and Casualty Company. He later started his own financial advisory business before returning to the Illinois Agricultural Association in 1977.

Gary and Eleanor lived in Normal for many years. In 2024, due to declining health, they moved into their daughter Kari’s home in Mequon, Wisconsin.

Gary will be remembered for his laughter, supportive nature, and devotion to his family. He ensured all three of his children completed college and was actively involved in their lives, including serving as a Cub Scout den leader. He enjoyed reading daily and maintained a personal library focused on philosophy, history, economics, and finance. Gary and Eleanor shared a passion for genealogy, traveling to Europe and compiling a family history spanning hundreds of years.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his children, Gary Jr., Kurt Mede (Regina), and Kari Frommell (Christopher); and his grandchildren, Nicholas Mede (Kathryn), Michelle Mede, Kira Frommell, Alex Frommell, and Alexis Mede.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Bernice Henke and Walter Emmett Mede; his brother, Walter Emmett Mede III; and his daughter-in-law, Carol Mede.

Private services will be held Friday, May 1, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held June 6, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the USO, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, American Legion, or the Cure Alzheimer's Fund.