Submit a PhotoIn Loving Memory of Gary Emile Armstrong
Gary Emile Armstrong, 74, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Ottawa, Illinois, Gary dedicated his life to engineering, specializing in fluid power. Throughout his distinguished career, he earned two patents for aerospace components and was recently inducted into the Milwaukee School of Engineering Hall of Fame in recognition of his lasting contributions to the field. Known for his integrity, strong work ethic, and quiet leadership, Gary always put his family first.
Gary was a devoted husband to his wife, Sheri, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. He was a loving father to Bret (Heather) and Ryan (Carlene), and a proud “Opa” to his four grandchildren—Cole, Addyson, Cody, and Jake—who brought him immense joy. He was also a caring brother to Judy (William) and a cherished uncle to Brian, Melissa, Casey, and Matthew.
A lifelong baseball enthusiast, Gary loved watching his family play sports. Whether coaching Little League from the field or cheering from the sidelines, he was always there with encouragement and support. He truly was everyone’s number one fan, rarely missed a game and could be heard yelling “battle”. Gary also enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears and Diamondbacks, woodworking, and lending a helping hand to friends and family. He was often the first call when something needed fixing, always offering his time, expertise and a solution.
Gary is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and sister. A celebration of Gary’s life will take place on January 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Gilbert Memorial Park, followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s memory to the Milwaukee School of Engineering Annual Scholarship Fund at https://give.msoe.edu/g/donation.
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What a beautiful obituary…but what’s missing is the amazing friend Gary was. He was always there with help of any kind. He was a mentor in many aspects of life. But one of the most endearing things about Gary was his sense of humor, his smile but oh boy his laugh! Completely contagious. He cherished his family and adored Sheri. Gary and Sheri Armstrong two amazing people that made an incredible family out of their love. We loved you Gary…Mike and Linda
I’m so grateful for all the time I got spend with Gary over the years. The epitome of family, friendship, and class. Thank you for everything I’ve learned from you and for being my friend. You are already missed
My deepest condolences to Gary’s family and friends.
We were in grade school together and spent many hours in his workshop in the basement of his parents home building things. We continued our friendship through our school years and I looked forward to Gary’s messages at Christmas time telling me about his family and how happy he was to be grandpa.
Gary’s mom and dad and sister Judy treated me like family and I was blessed to know them all.
I will miss our annual chats and his gentle demeanor.
RIP my friend.
We were so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing over the holidays, but so grateful to know his kind family was surrounding him with love. We spent many years as seatmates with Gary, Shari & the whole family, cheering our Diamondbacks on through thick and thin and will cherish our memories of him forever as husband, father, grandfather. & fellow fan.
Opa was a great grampa i was so happy to have him my 10 years i have lived so far he tuaght me and my best friend Alejandro how to play our favriote sport Baseball he told us never to give up and to this day we still play and watch this amazing sport and his wife/ my granddma gams is holding in there and she says” it is just going day by day” she says Opa also got an A on this assighment he made a tennis ball throwing machine during his school years at MSOE aka Milwaukee School of Engineering that is the school I am going to go to when i am in collage and i am going to follow in my grandfathers footsteps P.S. we all loved him very much R.I.P. to Gary E Armstrong Love, Cody Ryan Armstrong
I had the amazing privilege to work alongside Gary and his son, Bret, for a few years. Gary was an amazing mentor and I learned so much from him in the time we worked together. He will be missed, but cherished as the amazing human being he was.
Sending our condolences; for the time I knew Gary he was a big ray of sunshine and laughs. He loved his family and was their biggest supporter. Unfortunately, we will be out of town but will be there in spirit. Sending our best wishes! ~The Gentry Family
Im sad for your loss.I will always remenber seeing Gary at the baseball games and birthday parties .He loved his grandkids and I know Cole and Addy loved him back.Brett and Scoops this is a hard time. Losing a parent sticks with you forever.You were lucky to have the close relationship with him in sports, camping , and hunting.Sherri Im sending a hug to you. 50 years together is monumental.Losing your companion and best friend is terrible and there isnt any comforting words. We all will go through it never knowing when, why, or how. Cancer is a horrible illness.My father died of the same thing at 67.Now Gary is free from that horrible illness and his memories will live on in all of you because you all have a piece of his heart Love Wendy and Aunt Wendy
A first class honorable guy that I always enjoyed working with at Honeywell. Love and sympathy to the family.