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In Memoriam: Gilbert R. Nary

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Your memorial contribution in Gil’s name will be placed in the Community Foundation Memorial Endowment Fund.

Gilbert R. Nary, a former Community Foundation Board Member, passed away Monday, July 18th, 2022.

From the obituary:

Gilbert R. Nary, 99 of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away Monday, July 18th, 2022. He was just one month shy of his 100th birthday. Gil lived in Aurora, Illinois for over 65 years.

He was born August 15, 1922, in Streator, Illinois the son of the late Irene and Bernie Nary. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, and his siblings Willard Nary, Jean Nary, and Ellen Spaulding. He was also preceded in death by his dear friend Elizabeth Kerr.

Gil is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Paul Sneed (Scottsdale, AZ) as well as his granddaughter, Amy and Tim Boven (Peoria, AZ) and great granddaughter, Olivia. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Gil served his country in the Army Signal Corps during WWII. While training for service, he met “the girl next door,” Doris Howland, who would go on to become his wife and love of his life for 59 years. After completing his service, he attended the University of Wisconsin Madison from 1946 – 1949, completing his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in just three years.

After graduating, Gil went to work at Westclox in Peru, Illinois for three years. In 1952 he started his career at Furnas Electric Company in Batavia, Illinois as an engineer in the test lab. Over the course of forty years, he advanced to manage manufacturing, accounting, facilities and ultimately had responsibility for all operations. He retired in 1993 as Vice Chairman.

Gil had a passion for serving his Aurora, Illinois community. He and Doris were charter members of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. Gil was a director of the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley from 1986 – 1994. He was also an active board trustee of Mercy Center Hospital during the 1980’s.

Gil’s favorite hobby was gardening, especially growing some of the best tomatoes in Aurora. He also enjoyed traveling and soaking up the Arizona sunshine during the winter months. Caring for and spending time with his family was always at the top of his priorities.

Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be directed to Congregational Church of the Valley, 12001 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 or Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, PO Box 4786, Aurora, IL 60507.

…you can always start small, even $25 can make a difference. Remember we can’t take our money with us. Even if it’s just your gift of time. Volunteer and get involved.

Cris Anderson

Cristina & Thomas S. Anderson Endowment Fund | Tom & Cris Anderson Colonial Advisory Fund

There’s no question in my mind that the scholarship I received opened up possibilities.

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

We chose the Community Foundation because of its reputation. It’s well known, established and we can trust them to do the job for us.

Dick Schindel

Richard and Susan Schindel Scholarship Funds

As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I was worried about how I was going to pay for books and supplies. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford college. I am working to not only create opportunities for myself but to motivate future generations. Thank you so much for helping me along this journey!

Moises J.

Claude & Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Thank you very much for supporting my college education for these four years. I will never be able to repay you for the opportunity that this scholarship has given to me.

Julia H.

[Renewing Scholarship Recipient] Graduate of Hinkley-Big Rock High School

A community foundation is a donor-driven organization that helps donors custom-design funds that reflect their charitable interests. Through the years, grants from these funds have made a significant impact on our local communities.

Sharon Stredde

President Emeritus

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

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