Gary Neal Manthei, age 77, unexpectedly, but peacefully entered heaven's gate from home on May 30, 2026. Gary was born June 16, 1948 to Verna (Schultz) and Neal Manthei in Freeport, Ill. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1966. In 1967 he joined the Air Force and served in Vietnam from May 1970 to April 1971. He was awarded an Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service as a Munitions Specialist. Sergeant Gary Manthei fulfilled his contract in May 1971. Following the service, he took pride in being a semi driver and enjoyed driving, CB communications and telling semi stories.
On June 9, 1973, he married Barbara Larena Platt and they were blessed with 2 children, Kimberly (Matt) Aide & Christopher (Semiha) Manthei. When his children were born, he took a job working closer to home for Industrial Combustion as an Inter- Company/Contract Services Estimator and later became an Estimator for Latitude Corporation. While the kids were growing, he enjoyed camping, fishing, attending his children’s events and traveling the country with his young family and friends. They visited many National Parks and made countless memories. Many stories have been passed on down to his grandchildren who enjoy hearing them.
Gary retired in 2012 and this is when the second half of his best life began. In his retirement, he loved spending time with his 4 grandsons (Kaya Manthei, Tristan, Reese & Kaden Ammon). Grandpa and Grandma adventures were always the best! They would go camping, come to all of the sporting events and school events that were possible. His grandchildren would light up when they heard Grandpa and Grandma were coming. They had a very special bond. They each had their own special trips and memories.
Second to the love of his grandchildren, Gary’s adventurous spirit led he and Barb to travel the world. They have taken amazing trips to Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and enjoyed some cruises. Gary truly enjoyed his retirement years.
Gary was an exceptional handy man. He was always willing to help others and work on projects around the house or for his kids or grandkids. He was an active member of Union Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir. Gary had a fun sense of humor and told many stories from his childhood, travel adventures and his time in the service.
Gary Neal Manthei was loved and blessed to be able to live his best life doing what he loved with people that he loved.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Neal & Verna Manthei & grandson, Logan Ammon.
Gary is survived by his wife Barbara; children, Kimberly (Matt) Aide and Christopher (Semiha) Manthei; grandsons, Kaya Manthei, Tristan, Reese & Kaden Ammon; and his brother, Jerry Manthei.
Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Union Presbyterian Church with Pastor Stacy Cavanaugh officiating.
Visitation will be held on Friday, at the church from 10AM until the time of service. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery with military honors.
Memorials can be made to: Nations of Patriots where 100% of the proceeds go to veterans in need. Gary was very excited about this organization and recently witnessed the Nation of Patriots 2026 motorcycle tour.
Union Presbyterian Church where he actively supported and participated in the congregation, men’s group, maintenance and wonderful fellowship.
