- Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois - https://kurrusfh.com -

Gary Lee Fitzgerald

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Gary Lee Fitzgerald, 78, of Millstadt, Illinois, born Monday, September 30, 1940, in Belleville, IL, passed away Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Illinois.

After his early retirement from Ameren Illinois in 1996, he followed his vocation as a Wildlife/Nature Photographer. He loved bears and photographed them every Fall in Alaska and Canada. He called his work “Rustic Originals”. Gary created one-of-a-kind rustic wooden frames to compliment his photography. Families with their pets, field trials, photography at The Hunt Club, and horse shows were all a part of the Rustic Originals era.

As a free-lance photographer, he wrote articles for newspapers, magazines, and newsletters which told the stories of his adventures featuring his amazing photos.

Gary was a member of the St. Clair Masonic Lodge #24 AF & AM, the Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Southern Illinois, and a U.S. Air Force Veteran.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Myrtle (Heap) Fitzgerald

He and his wife, Rose Marie (Germann) Fitzgerald were married 4/28/1962. They have one son, Scott Alan Fitzgerald of Edwardsville, Illinois. Two Grandchildren, Bryce Fitzgerald of Chicago, Illinois and Megan Renee’ Fitzgerald of Edwardsville, Illinois.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Services: Gary lived a full life filled with adventure. In honor of Gary’s wishes, cremation and a private Celebration of Life will be held in Alaska.

May his spirit soar with the eagles and fly free!

14 Comments (Open | Close)

14 Comments To "Gary Lee Fitzgerald"

#1 Comment By Tracey Biermann On February 28, 2019 @ 2:39 pm

Sending sincere sympathy and condolences to Rose Marie and family. Gary had adventurous spirit and personality as big as those beautiful bears he photographed. I’m pleased and honored to be a recipient of one of his gorgeous wildlife photos in a one of a kind frame. Fly high and free Gary!

#2 Comment By Jonny Highgrade On February 28, 2019 @ 3:12 pm

Gary and I have been together in Alaska for the last several years. We arrive and leave together on the last week Kulik Lodge is open. We fly in and back out together like clockwork. He always brought his smile and sense of humor. The weather does not always cooperate, but Gary “rolled with the punches.” I’ll miss him.

#3 Comment By Lauren Blowers On February 28, 2019 @ 6:57 pm

My sincere sympathy to you, Rosie, and to your entire family. Sounds like Gary lived a full life! May God comfort you in your grief.

#4 Comment By Mick and Jane Hoepfinger On February 28, 2019 @ 7:25 pm

Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers Rose Marie.

#5 Comment By Joyce Strother On February 28, 2019 @ 7:35 pm

Hugs and prayers for you and the family from Delores, Schell and I.

#6 Comment By Ginger Bourn On February 28, 2019 @ 7:48 pm

He had such appreciation for the world God created. Sending hugs to his beautiful wife Rose Marie. Sincerely Bill and Ginger Bourn

#7 Comment By Patricia Pierce On February 28, 2019 @ 8:04 pm

I was blessed to have known Gary for over 40 years. I worked with Rosie and am thankful to have her as a forever friend.
Gary took extra pictures at our wedding reception in 1987 and gave them to me in a little album.
We are honored to have many of his wonderful pictures of Alaska and its bears. I too am a lover Of nature, animals AND especially Bears. I collect bears and his pictures are precious.
Rosie my heart is hurting for you. Heaven is gaining a wonderful man?♥️❤️?

#8 Comment By Bruce and Susan Doyle On February 28, 2019 @ 8:05 pm

Rosie and Scott , Sending our deepest sympathy on the loss of Gary. We have such great memories of him and you all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers . Love Bruce and Suzie Doyle, Brad, Alicia and Steve.

#9 Comment By Cindy,Dennis,Taylor Keck and the Smokin K’s family On February 28, 2019 @ 8:10 pm

Our deepest sympathy to you, Rose. We will truly miss Gary. You are like family to us. Everyone sends prayers to you and your family.

#10 Comment By Sally Wondolowski On February 28, 2019 @ 8:37 pm

Dear Rosie and Scott,
We are so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Dad would be very sad to know Hoss passed too soon. At 91, Dad’s Alzheimer’s has advanced. David sends his sympathy, also. Please know we are praying for your strength and sending much love to you both. So many of our happy memories include your family. Please take care. Sending hugs and much love. Love, Michael and Sally Dew Wondolowski

#11 Comment By Bill and Lou Ann James On February 28, 2019 @ 8:59 pm

Rosemary, we are so sorry to read about Gary’s passing. He was so talented in capturing the beauty of nature and wildlife. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

#12 Comment By Paula Hoag On February 28, 2019 @ 9:04 pm

Rosie so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He will ENJOY going to AKASKA. YOU AND SCOTT HAVE A LOVING TRIBUTE.

#13 Comment By Raymond and Barbara Hohlt On March 2, 2019 @ 10:27 am

Our sympathy to Rose Marie and the family. We have one of his Rustic Originals photos and frame, and we will always remember Gary when we see it.

#14 Comment By Terry Schaefer On March 7, 2019 @ 10:48 am

Rose Marie and Family,
We were saddened to hear of Gary’s passing and send our deepest sympathy to you. Gary’s passion for wildlife and the great outdoors took you both to places many never see. His photographs and your memories of a wonder life will never fade.
Please know we are thinking of you and will forever be grateful for our friendship.
Terry & Vicky Schaefer