- Date Of Birth: March 12, 1942
- Date Of Death: March 30, 2021
- State: Illinois
Gary E. File, 79, of Ottawa passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his family.A celebration of Life will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 5, 2021 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. The American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard will close with full military honors. Due to current State of Illinois guidelines we kindly request that attendees, follow social distancing requirements and wear face coverings.
Gary was born on March 12, 1942 in Bond County, IL to Clarence and Esther (Shubert) File. He served in the US Army, and was a veteran of the Vietnam Era, he was stationed in Bamberg, Germany. Gary married Barbara Meyer on June 25, 1980 in Sycamore, IL. He retired from Western Electric/AT&T in 1990, after 30 years of employment.
After his retirement, Gary worked at Arrow Well and Drilling, in Ottawa, Pioneer Seed in Utica, FS in Serena and was currently working at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. He was a member of the American Legion Post 33 and the Hardee’s coffee group. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage with small engines, helping anyone in need, watching his youngest grandson play sports, and fishing with his youngest grandson.
He especially loved spending any time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Barbara File; 5 children, Joel (Sheila) File of Sandwich, Kati (Jeremy) Kammerer of Ottawa, Gina Hills of South Carolina, Dawn Keegan of Ottawa, and Nicole Dozier of Quad Cities; 14 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bobby, Richard, and Jerry File; and sisters, Betty Bateman, Peggy Lunsford, and Connie Becker.Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice
