Gary Austin Bowker

Gary was a beloved character who never met a stranger. Known for his joy, his generosity (and his frugality), he delighted in handing out $2 bills and $1 coins to random people, simply because it brought him happiness to brighten someone’s day.

After graduating high school, Gary joined the U.S. Navy and completed boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Academy in North Chicago, IL. While stationed there, he met the love of his life, Sherry. Following his deployment to Vietnam, Gary returned home, married Sherry, and the couple settled in Beach Park, IL.

Gary began a long and fulfilling career at Abbott Laboratories, where he worked for 36 years before retiring. Not one to stay idle, he later drove a school bus for Durham for 10 years. He was also a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints until Alzheimer’s disease limited his ability to attend.

Gary had a zest for life and a deep love for his family. He enjoyed long bike rides, walks with loved ones, traveling—especially to Alaska with Sherry, fishing, building large campfires, garage sale hunting and setting off fireworks whenever and wherever he had the chance. During the Holiday season, he loved dressing up as Santa Claus and handing out gifts at church, work, and family gatherings. His greatest joy came from spending quality time with those he loved.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sherry Bowker, daughter Heather Ray (Michael), granddaughter Mallory Bueschen and her father William, daughter Holly Kammer (Clarence), grandchildren Destinee (Anthony) and Clay (Alice) and daughter Heidi Wade, grandchildren Gavin and Aubrey. He is also survived by his siblings Michael Sloan (Gale), Dale Sloan (Jo), Lynette Miller and Jimmy Sloan. His sister-in-law Vicki Florio (Terry) and as well as several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Rosamond Sloan, father, Gerald Bowker and his sisters Tammy Simpson and Leslie Seymour.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Marsh Funeral Home in Gurnee, IL. Visitation will take place from 11am – 2pm with Military Honors, memories and stories to be shared at 1pm.