(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Gary Lee Christenberry, 73, of Shelbyville, IL gained his independence from terminal cancer at home with his family on July 4th, 2020.
Born in Genoa City, Wisconsin on September 28th, 1946, he was the son of Robert Leon and Charlotte Isabelle (nee Marzhal) Christenberry of Hebron, IL.
His life was full of accomplishments- graduating class of 1964 at Alden- Hebron High, attending meat cutting school in Ohio, opening frontier meat market in Hebron, Attending McHenry County College to study engineering and furthering his career at places like MPC in Walworth, WI- Racine Railroad, Union Special in Huntley and retiring from Caterpillar in Decatur, IL.
He was a man of civic duty and enjoyed serving his community by being on the Alden-Hebron rescue squad, being a Jaycee and, also a volunteer at the local job center for many years.
He had many interests and was a car enthusiast. He knew just about everything about any kind of motor out there, he was skilled in many ways with not only mechanics but with wood working and carpentry. He was a member of the Sunshine Corvette club and built his dream log home alongside his father “bob” it was one of his biggest joys and accomplishments. He was an excellent drummer and enjoyed everything from beach boys, Dixieland jazz, and old country. He was a member of the band the “chelseas” in the late 60’s. He was an avid tinkerer and enjoyed repairing small motors, mini-bikes, lawn mowers and just about anything he could make come alive. He loved instant coffee and scratch off lotto tickets… the only man I knew that actually won most of the time. He was loved by many, especially grateful for his family in Shelbyville for opening their hearts to him when he moved there for work 20 years ago. He will be truly missed by everyone.
Gary is survived by his daughter, Robyn Louise of Lyons, WI, His brother Terry Leon Christenberry of Hebron, IL and his granddaughter (apple of his eye) Ruby Claire.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.
We will not be holding any services at this time as it was his final wish to be cremated and placed next to his parents at Hillside Cemetery in Genoa City, WI in private with his family. We will not be holding any services at this time as it was his final wish to be cremated and placed next to his parents at Hillside Cemetery in Genoa City, WI in private with his family.
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Gary Hokden says:
I’m so sorry for your loss Robyn, your father was a good man and a good friend. I met him when he was building hi log home, he took pride in his workmanship.
When he came back to the Lake Geneva area he always took time to look me up and we would have a great visit.
I’ll miss him.
Prayers to the family!
Lawrence Spooner says:
Thanks for posting.Sorry for your loss. Gary was a great guy as I grew up in Hebron, talked frequently. My brother James, passed 2 years ago in August of lung cancer from the same class.
Paul Wright says:
Gary was a very nice guy and a friend. We met when he moved down to the Findlay area and we even dabbled a little playing music and did a played a little show at the Walleye Festival one year. We always chatted when we got the chance. RIP, Gary.
My condolences to all.
Karen Lindow says:
So sorry to hear this sad news. I have enjoyed knowing Gary and Terry since they perched on stools at Kens Drive In to eat their ice cream. They were very short then! I’m glad he got to enjoy a granddaughter. My condolences to all his family. I thought of him every time I drove through Mattoon and I still will.
Keri Cutler says:
Gary was a great soul. We worked together at steak house years ago and would run into each other at the gas station on regular basis. He always was kind and asked about my life and my kids. Often spoke of his life up north. May he Rest In Peace.
Carla mose says:
He will be missed and he was a really great guy
Denny Harris says:
Knew Gary for many years and spent alot of evenings talking at Stan’s steakhouse. Also did a little music with him at the Findlay walleye festival. R.I.P sir