Gary Lee Schleich

ST JOHNS, FL - Gary Lee Schleich, age 76, passed away on Sunday, November 19 at his home in St. Johns, Florida. Gary was born in Freeport, Illinois in 1947 where he met the love of his life, Cheryl “Lynn” Schleich at Highland Community College, who he married in 1969. Gary was a Basketball and Track athlete at Freeport High School and Highland Community College, where he received MVP Basketball honors before transferring to Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois on a Basketball scholarship.

In 1970, Gary was drafted into the United States Air Force where he earned the rank of Captain as a navigator of the KC-135 and served in the Vietnam War. Gary loved airplanes, airshows, low budget sci-fi horror movies, and was a definite “dog person.” He loved being a Dad, as well as spending time with and taking care of his family. He was always at his children’s events and he loved going to the apple orchard, pumpkin patch, local high school games, and parades in and around Rockton, Illinois where he lived and raised his family from 1976 to 2000. Gary will be remembered for Facetiming his children and grandchildren, his witty dry humor, and the robust sound of his laughter. He passed down many of these traits, passions and family values his children and grandchildren.

Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lynn (Peace) Schleich, his two children Scott Schleich, and daughter, Lori (Schleich) Derus, Scott’s wife, Debra Schleich and their children, Garrett and Gavin, Lori and her husband, Allen Derus and their children, Adam, Andrew, Aaron, Allex, Bryce, and Chloe. He is also survived by his two brothers, Steve Schleich and Jim Schleich. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorie Schleich.

A private graveside service for Gary will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery, Jacksonville, FL.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgstjohns.com for the Schleich family.