Gary Henander

Kenneth “Gary” Henander, 83, of Cambridge, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. Per Gary’s request, there will be no service held. Memorials may be made to the family.

Gary was born on March 19, 1942, in Pekin, Illinois. He was adopted and became the son of Harold and Mildred (Borkgren) Henander. He graduated from Geneseo High School. He played on the Maple Leafs football team and remained an avid GHS football fan throughout his life. One of the highlights of his life was coaching Little League football in Geneseo. He married the love of his life, Judy Mercer, on September 2, 1962.

He spent most of his career working for John Deere, where he also served as Union Steward. He retired after 33 years. He cherished the times he spent camping and traveling with his beloved wife, Judy. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and spending time with his family. He was fortunate to be able to keep in touch with his brothers and sister, as well as their families. He was especially close to his brother Russ. He loved to tell jokes, and share stories and memories. Gary enjoyed visiting with his great neighbors and friends. He never met a stranger.

Gary is survived by his wife, Judy; two daughters, Christina (Christopher) Chom of Martinsburg, WV, and Nancy Richardson of Geneseo,IL; grandchildren, Brandon Henander of Milwaukee, WI, Tyler Henander-Ford of Rock Island, IL, Haley (Scot) Stoner of Houston, TX, Ben (Kayla Kirchharr) Chom of Daphne, AL, Alexa (Zach) Lower of Aledo, IL, Alicia (Taylor Dinneweth) Anderson of Princeton, IA, and Anthony Anderson of Geneseo, IL; great-grandchildren, Iris Henander-Harris, Logan and Ava Lower, Emmett, Everett, and Ernest Chom, and Jasper, Rome and Aeris Dinneweth; and his brothers, Russ Whitten of Peoria, IL, Harold (Louise) Krigner of Peoria, IL, and a sister Evelyn (Bill) Barnes of Forest City, IL . He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Angela Henander; and three brothers.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.