Gary Gene Conway, age 68, of Algonquin, was called out of this life to life eternal on Monday, October 28, 2024, in Huntley, IL.
Gary Gene Conway was born September 26, 1956 to Keith and Beverly Conway in Mankato, Minnesota. Shortly after birth his family moved to the farm that he grew up on in Saint Maryβs Township.
Gary graduated from Waseca High School in 1975. After high school graduation, he attended the University of Minnesota in Waseca. After one year, he then transferred to the University of Minnesota in the cities and graduated with a degree in agriculture education.
He then started working at the University of Minnesota Southern Experiement Station and then transferred to the technical college where he would meet his future wife, Janet Donlin. Gary and Janet were married on September 14, 1990. With the closing of the University, both Gary and Janet found employment in the suburbs of Chicago. Gary worked at Doumak, a marshmallow factory, for 31 years and served as the Vice President of Production, retiring in January 2021.
Gary was an avid sports fan and enjoyed going to all types of sporting events. He was a die hard Minnesota Gopher fan as well as a Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings fan. He also loved playing and watching golf, always cheering on the Americans in the Ryder cup. He coached his daughters in softball to continue the love for sports.
Gary is survived by his wife, Janet Donlin, his children who he loved dearly-two daughters, Nicole (Zach) Dalzell of Huntley, Jessica Conway of Algonquin, and one stepson, Paul Donlin-Asp of Edinburgh.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Beverley Conway, grandparents, aunts and uncles, sister-in-law Kathy Conway.
Visitation will be on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 4-7pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A second visitation will be held on Saturday. November 2, 2024 from 10am until the 11:00am Mass both at St. Elizabeth Anne Seaton Church-1023 S. McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake, IL.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation would be appreciated. https://www.avmf.org/ways-to-give/give-now/
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
My condolences to Janet and family. Gary was a sweet man that I have had the privilege of knowing roughly 10 years. Always kind !! Rest in peace Gary.
Our hearts go out to your family during this challenging time. Gary was a wonderful person, and he will be deeply missed.
I am very sorry for your loss.
My condolences to Janet and family. Gary was a sweet man that I have had the privilege of knowing roughly 10 years. Always kind !! Rest in peace Gary.
I was extremely lucky to have known Mr. C growing up. I will always cherish the memories I had chatting with him.
Sorry to hear about the passing of Gary. Met him in Waseca, U of MN. Southern Experiment Station where several of us had summer jobs during high school and college. Nicest guy. But did have the nickname "Killer" which was attached to him before I met him. Dedicated and hard worker. We will all carry part of him in our memories.
Jan Paul Nicole and Jessica, We are so sorry for the loss of Gary. Our hearts π go out to you. Your family is in our prayers.
Sorry to hear about Gary or Killer as Paul D. has previously mentioned. Multiple summers after graduating from Waseca HS with him working at the Southern experiment station while at break from college days. Many memorable times back then as was perhaps the best summer job guys our age could have working with the seniors at the station but always having fun on the job as well as during lunch softball or other games then back to the afternoon job of the day. Long time since those days and appears he touched and treated others over his life the way I remember him.
Gary was my good friend. We became friends at Waseca High, which continued through College (roommates) and beyond (he was a groomsman in my wedding party). Gary loved life, music, parties, his friends and his family. I will miss him and extend my deepest sympathies to his family.
Gary will truly be missed, great friend, sport enthusiast, and father. Rest in peace my friend. My condolences and prayers are with the family.
Go in peace my friend. It was a pleasure to have known you and consider you a friend. May the gods smile upon you.
On behalf of the AVMF team, we are honored that donations are coming to support our efforts in Gary's name and wish you and your family all the best at this difficult time.
I remember how much he loved his family. He was so kind, too, to our daughter Stephanie. She would always mention the fondness she had for Mr. C.
Our deepest condolences to all of you during this difficult time. He will be missed.
I grew up with Gary in Waseca their Farm was one mile south of hours we rode the school bus together and we became like brothers and had so much fun his smile and eyes would light up a room he was the best friend ever. The world was always good when he was around. My deepest condolences to Gary's family
So sad to hear of Gary's passing. .. I worked with him at Doumak for nearly 2 decades. He was a good man and always kind. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. Stay strong and always cherish the memories.
I'm very sorry to hear of Garys passing. I worked for Gary at the Estes plant the 2nd shift supervisor for 20 years. We use to always joke about the White Sox beating the Twins and then when the Twins would beat the Sox. He was a very kind man and cared about the people at the two plants. My condolences to the family.
Words can not express my sorrow in hearing of Gary's passing. I have known Gary and Janet for 36 years. I stood as a witness at their wedding which seems like yesterday. Gary loved being a husband and father and would do anything to support Janet and the kids. It was hard to see his health fail him but his spirit was always strong. I'll will miss him and know his family was very lucky to have him in their lives.
Words can not express my sorrow in hearing of Gary's passing. I have known Gary and Janet for 36 years. I stood as a witness at their wedding which seems like yesterday. Gary loved being a husband and father and would do anything to support Janet and the kids. It was hard to see his health fail him but his spirit was always strong. I'll will miss him and know his family was very lucky to have him in their lives.
So sorry for your loss. π Love you Zach and Nicole Dalzell. Prayers for the Conway family.πππππ©·π©·π©·π©·
I worked with Gary at Doumak for many years, he was always kind to me, made me laugh a lot! I am very sorry for your loss and will keep your family in my prayers.
My condolences to Janet and family.
My condolences to Janet and family.
My thoughts are with your family at this difficult time.
Dr. Donlin, Iβm so sorry for your loss. Nothing can replace that part of your heart, but my sincere hope is that he is now at peace.
Janet and family, So sorry to hear for Gary passing. I had many good times with Gary and friends at Waseca. May your cherish the memories.
Dr. Donlin - Please know of my sincere condolences and prayers for you, your family, and your husband's soul. I wish you the peace of Christ's love; may you know and feel His warm embrace.
Our heartfelt condolences to Janet, Nicole, Zach, Jessica, Paul, and all who loved Gray. May you find comfort in each other and in the memories of a life well-lived. Warmest sympathies, Justin and Paula Campbell