Gerhardt “Gary” Block

Mr. Gerhardt “Gary” Block, 94, of Lake Zurich, was born in Berlin, Germany on October 22, 1920 and passed away January 17, 2015 at Condell Medical Center, Libertyville, Illinois.

He was the beloved husband of Lorraine Block, loving father of Robert (Diane) Block, Roger (Kathy) Block, Gary “Skip” Block, Glenn (Debbie) Block, Gale (Bob) Kleinheinz, Laurie (Fred) Griffith, cherished grandfather of Amanda (Drew), Andy, Eric (Jackie), Leah (Bernardo), Chris, Jenny, Joyce (Josh) and Mary, caring great- grandfather of Kiley, Carter, Tessa, Landon, Leila, Haley, Matthew and Breitley, fond uncle, great uncle, and great-great uncle to many nieces and nephews, special brother-in-law to Mildred Renkosiak, and dear son of the late Rudolf Block and Elsie Schmalz. Preceding Gary in death was his brother Raymond Block.

Gary came to the United States with his parents at age 3.  He attended school in Chicago, and just before his 19^th birthday in 1939, he joined the United States Coast Guard and became a veteran of WW II.  He served his country for over 5 years, 3 of those years being spent overseas, as a Second Class Sonarman.  He was Honorably Discharged in 1945.  Along with the Coast Guard, he also served as a Sergeant in the Army National Guard for 6 years.  His Military affiliations include being a member of the Lake Zurich American Legion Post 964 and the Lake Zurich Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 11020.  He enjoyed participating in bringing war veterans to the Lake Zurich 4^th of July celebration, and putting together care packages for the veterans at Christmas time.

He and his beautiful wife of 69 years were married in October 1945, and lived in Chicago before they moved to Lake Zurich in 1956.  They managed and lived at Nestlerest Park before moving to the Manor where they lived for over 50 years.

Gary’s occupation was always in public service.  He served as Assistant Fire Chief at Ft. Sheridan for 6 of his 17 years there.  This is where he earned the nickname of “Chief”.  Gary’s service to the community of Lake Zurich spanned over 40 years, starting in 1956 when he was a Marshal for the Lake Zurich Police Department.  He continued in public service as an Auxiliary Police Officer, volunteer firefighter, and Civil Defense Director.  He ended his community service in 1999 as a Crossing Guard.  He was a member of many state and local Fire Chief’s organizations and a volunteer member of the Salvation Army.

Gary enjoyed being in the comfort of his home with his wife and children.  A favorite place to visit with his wife was Lake Geneva for a boat ride and lunch.  He enjoyed playing cards with his family and was very proud of all his children and grandchildren.

Visitation to celebrate Gary’s life will be held Wednesday, January 21, 2015 from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 12:30 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 33 S. Buesching Road, Lake Zurich, Illinois, 60047.  Father David Ryan will officiate.  Interment will follow in Lake Zurich Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lake Zurich VFW Post 11020, 83 W. Main Street, Suite 105, Lake Zurich, Illinois, 60047, or the Lake Zurich Retired Volunteer Firefighters, 83 W. Main Street, Suite 105, Lake Zurich, IL 60047.