Garry Gene Fleisher

Garry Gene Fleisher, 75, of Wataga, died at 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Garry was born on May 5, 1941, in Fulton County, Illinois. He was the son of Idabelle Fleisher. He married Sharon Johnson at the Williamsfield United Methodist Church on November 13, 1966. He is survived by his wife, Sharon of Wataga; daughter, Candi (John) Lardino of Crystal Lake; son, Greg (Melissa Stigers) Fleisher of Davenport, IA; two grandsons, John A Lardino and Ryan A. Lardino, both of Crystal Lake; sister-in-law, Cheryl Fleisher of Yates City; and brother-in-law, Gary (Starr) Johnson of Springfield, Mo; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Garry was preceded in death by his mother; and brother, Larry Fleisher of Yates City.

Garry graduated from Spoon River Valley High School, Fairview, Illinois in 1959. He served the US Army from 1964-1966. Garry later worked at Gates Rubber Company from December 15, 1969 until June 1, 2007, retiring after 37 years. Garry enjoyed golfing and got a hole-in-one at the Oak Run Golf Course on May 1, 2013. He also took up running at the age of 72. He enjoyed running 5K races. 2014 was his best year, placing 1^st in his age group in Run Galesburg Run, 2^nd in his age group at Orion’s Tommy and Lindsey 5K, and 3^rd in his age group at the Woodstock, IL Care 4 Breast Cancer. His theory was the older you get, the less competition there is. His last 5K was June 5, 2016 and he placed 2^nd in his age group.

Per Garry’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and no services are planned at this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials in Garry’s honor may be donated to The First Presbyterian Church, 101 N. Prairie St., Galesburg, IL 61401; Blessings in a Backpack; or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family online at www.watsonthomas.com.