Gary Lee Schomburg, 86 of Aledo, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Genesis East, Davenport, Iowa. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 20, at Zion Lutheran Church, Taylor Ridge, Illinois. Burial will follow in the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. Fellowship and visitation will follow services in the church hall. Memorials may be made to the Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri; or to the Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Speer Funeral Home, Aledo, is assisting the family.
Gary was born on July 6, 1939, in Hampton, Iowa, to the late Lester and Lucille (Brown) Schomburg. He graduated from Franklin Consolidated High School near Latimer, Iowa, and then made his way to Davenport. He was a skilled welder, mechanic, and entrepreneur.
He was first married to Barbara Janosek in 1960, with whom he welcomed two children. In 1964, he married Judy Kankel with whom he expanded his family and lived an adventurous farm life for 56 years until her passing in 2020.
Gary will be remembered for his sense of humor; his love of racing, fishing, hunting, and gardening; and his faith in God. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Gary is survived by his children, Julie (John Ridley) Schomburg, Brad (Deborah) Schomburg, James Schomburg, Mark Schomburg, Vickie Day, and Lisa (Dennis) Bocquin; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dell (Judy) Schomburg; sister-in-law, Sandy (Jody) Wakefield; and four nieces, one nephew, and seven great-nieces. He was also preceded in death by a stillborn son.