Gary M. Buckwalter, 76, of Taylor Ridge, passed away peacefully Monday morning in the arms of the Lord.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00pm Friday February 6, 2026 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. Memorials may be left to Disabled American Veterans, Quad City Animal Welfare Center, Milan or Wounded Warriors.

Gary was born on February 4, 1949 in Rock Island, the son of Daniel and Christine (Powell) Buckwalter. He graduated from Sherrard High School in 1967. After high school, Gary served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Gary married Patty Wilson on September 25, 1971 in Coal Valley, Illinois.

He had been employed at St. Ambrose University’s Maintenance Department for over 30 years.

Gary loved spending time with his family, coaching little league and being outdoors. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals, Illini and Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed their many German Shepherds.

Survivors include his wife, Patty; children, Shawn Buckwalter, Janesville, Wisconsin, Sarah Buckwalter, Rock Island, Jennifer Buckwalter, Muscatine, Iowa; grandchildren, Allie, Isabell, Wilson, Nicholas; great grandchildren, Lily and Nick; sister, Jill Miller, Arizona; brothers, Greg Buckwalter and Larry Buckwalter, both of Rock Island; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Christine; brother, Danny Buckwalter; nephew, Beau Buckwalter; father and mother in law, Bill and Shirley Wilson.

Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com.