Gary Van Ahart

WASHINGTON – Gary Van Ahart, 61, of Washington, IL died at 10:51 am Monday, February 16, 2009, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, where he was surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 9, 1947 in Peoria, IL to James H. and Ava N. Scott Ahart, he married his wife of 35 years, Lynn A. Jones on March 16, 1973 in Washington, IL. She survives. Also surviving are his 2 sons, James D. Ahart of Normal and Christopher M. (Amy) Ahart of Peoria Heights, his daughter, Melissa L. Sears of Bloomington, his brother, Thomas (Dianna) Ahart of Chandler, AZ and 8 wonderful grandsons, Aaron, Addison, and Noah of Bloomington/Normal and Zachary, Mason, Tyler, Cayden and Cameron of Peoria Heights. He is also survived by his in-laws, Les and Phyllis Jones of Mission, TX, several brother and sister-in-laws, and manyl aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 brother, Scott. Gary worked at Caterpillar Tractor Co. for 32 years, retiring from Building LL as a machinist in 2004. His greatest loves in life were his family and going to his trailer at Kentuckiana Kampground in Mackinaw. He will be missed by his campground family, and also for all the help he provided with campground activities such as the Golf Cart Poker Run and the Spook Holler at Halloween time. Gary was a huge Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers fan and also enjoyed watching Nascar Gary was of the Lutheran faith, but got his religion from his gospel CD’s. The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation for all the wonderful care Gary received at Illinois Cancer Center, OSF 1700 Forrest Park, and the OSF 3rd Floor Neurology and Neurological ICU. They would also like to especially thank Dr. Hrachya Nersesyon and Dr. John Kugler for helping them through the difficult times since September 11, 2008. Services for Gary will be at 11 am Friday, February 20, 2009 at Deiters Funeral Home in Washington. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Memorials may be made to CaringBridge 1995 Rahn Cliff Court Suite 200 Eagan, MN 55122, the Children’s Halloween Festivals at Kentuckiana Kampground, or to Relay for Life, Washington Chapter.

Gary Van Ahart

June 9, 1947 - February 16, 2009