Gary Robert Kreppert

He was born on July 1, 1940, in Springfield, IL, the son of Robert and Margie (Netznik) Kreppert. Gary was a 1958 graduate of Lanphier High School and received a B.S. Journalism degree from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale in 1962, where he specialized in advertising studies. He was a member of the Alpha Delta Sigma Honorary Advertising Fraternity and worked as a reporter with the campus newspaper, the Daily Egyptian.

After graduation, Gary returned to Springfield and was employed with W. R. Hahn Advertising Agency as a copywriter and later as an account executive. He later worked with the Adressograph-Multigraph Corp. in the sales department of the addressing machines division, and then went on to become the advertising manager with the Springfield Sun newspaper. In November of 1968, he joined the display advertising sales staff of the State Journal-Register and retired from there as advertising director in 1999.

He married his Bunn Grade School sweetheart, Patricia Jane Grey on June 6, 1964, at St. Vincent DePaul Church. She preceded him in death in October of 2017. They were the parents of two children, Michelle and Michael.

Over the years, Gary was a member of several clubs and organizations, including: Rabbit Row Reunion Group; American Business Club; Springfield Jaycees; Downtown Springfield, Inc.; Sangamo Club; Springfield Ski and Boat Cub; Springfield Motor Boat Club; Lanphier High School Class of 58 Reunion Committee; and the Lake Springfield Council of Clubs, where he served on the board as secretary-treasurer for over 30 years.

He enjoyed boating on Lake Springfield, and his annual trip to the Florida Gulf Coast to fish for sharks off the beaches. Gary was also heavily involved with the activities of his Lanphier graduating class and helped plan reunions and Birthday Bash trips for its members.

Surviving are his special companion, Martha Pierceall; daughter, Michelle Elaine (David) Bretscher of Springfield; son, Michael Christian (Jamie) Kreppert of Springfield; grandchildren, Haile (Chas) Fox, Christopher (Emily) Bretscher, Katy Bretscher, Megan (Tyler) Shekleton, Ellie Bretscher, Emily Kreppert, Ryanne (Jason) Hedrick, Shelby (Jeremy) Long, and Riley (Christian) Long; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Cheryl (Albert) Kellert of Amissville, VA, and Jan (David) Bononi of Springfield; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, followed by the Ceremony at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Ryan H. Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.