DECATUR, Ill. — Gary Clarence Colstrom, Macon, Ill., formerly of Osage City, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. He was 80.
He was born Dec. 28, 1941, in the Rapp community, west of Osage City, the son of Clarence and Martha (Didier) Colstrom. He attended the one-room Rapp School his first eight years, and graduated from Osage City Rural High School in 1959.
Gary was a confirmed member of Grace Lutheran Evangelical Church, Osage City. He was also an active member of the Illiopolis Christian Church and a member of the Golden K Kiwanis in Decatur, Ill.
Gary married Martha Hemp Feb. 26, 1983, in Long Grove, Ill.
He was involved in various occupations until moving to Libertyville, Ill., where he and his wife formed the Hempstrom Fire Stopping Insulation business. Although he had many business ventures, he never lost his love for the farm. He was most comfortable staying at his brother, Larry’s, out in the country, helping out with the harvest or just sitting around enjoying a cup of coffee and working the daily crossword puzzle.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Babette; parents, Clarence and Martha Colstrom; and brother-in-law, Frank Prost.
Gary is survived by his wife, Martha, Macon, Ill.; his brother, Larry Colstrom (Jeannine); and three sisters, Barbara Prost, Carbondale, Donna Martin (Charlie), Osage City, and Debra Bean (Mike), Osage City.
A memorial service was held Jan. 10 at the Illiopolis Christian Church, Illiopolis, Ill.
The family will hold a service of remembrance 2 p.m. Feb. 12 at Grace Lutheran Evangelical Church, Osage City, weather permitting. Masks will be made available.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Evangelical Church, 210 Holliday St., Osage City, KS 66523.
