Gary R. Schmitz

Gary Schmitz, 74, of Barrington, IL died unexpectedly but peacefully at home on February 14, 2026 following an eventful trip to Peru where he climbed Machu Picchu, hiked through the Amazon jungle and ate piranha fish as a snack. Gary is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sue, his daughter Amanda, his son Gavin, and his two granddaughters, Elliot (10) and Everly (2). Also missing him terribly is his puppy, Kalie.

Gary grew up in Crystal Lake, IL before attending Purdue University with his lifelong friend Bill who introduced Gary to sorority girls as a Jeopardy champion!?! He later fell in love with Boston as a graduate student before adopting the city as his surrogate home and the Red Socks as his hometown team.

Early into his career, he met Sue when she joined him as his intern at Foote, Cone & Belding. Gary and Sue worked together again at Motorola where they had the good fortune of helping to launch the first cellular telephone in 25 countries. Gary's job took him around the world and afforded him the opportunity to visit Japan 42 times (once twice in a single week), live part-time in Singapore, meet with Farah Fawcett and caddie for Lee Trevino among many other exciting opportunities that his career provided. Perhaps the most tumultuous trip he took was in becoming a father to his two adoring children who gave him a real run for his money. In the end, he was very proud of both Amanda and Gavin, often sporting something Amanda had made specially for him and bragging about Gavin's scholastic accomplishments.

Gary embraced his role as a grandfather and delighted in being referred to as G.G. by Elliot and Everly. He took an active role in their lives and could be found walking them to school, attending various kid-friendly functions including Paw Patrol Live and Frozen, playing Bluey on repeat, and most recently, learning all the words to Hamilton.

Gary cannot be remembered without also remembering his other true love which was golf. He treasured his trips to Crystal Lake Country Club and playing with his regular group of golfers he referred to as "the boys." He often came home with money in his pocket based on his superb mastery of the sport. Thanks boys! Should someone be inclined to want to donate in his name, Gary would be grateful for contributions to the Evans Scholars at www.wgaesf.org/memorialgifts

Gary's life will be celebrated on Friday, March 6th from 1 to 4 pm CST at Crystal Lake Country Club. All are welcomed to join family and friends, sharing memories of a well-loved man.

Elliot specified the following inclusion from their own secret language: "infinite boos times infinity." Amanda added "all the way around the world, all the numbers in the world."