Gary Sandberg

PEORIA — Gary Sandberg, 65, of Peoria passed away Friday, July 19, 2013, at his home in Peoria.

He was born to H. Albert and Dorothy Wilkins Sandberg on March 21, 1948, in Princeton. He is survived by his children, Cari Sandberg and Colt Sandberg, both of Peoria; his grandchildren, Devin and Caera Berry; a brother, James (Peg) Sandberg of Princeton; his nieces, Elise Bartman and Sara Kloepping; and his beloved Green-Wing Macaw, Jelly Bean.

Gary received his undergraduate degree in architecture and construction engineering from Southern Illinois University in 1968. He first served the city of Peoria as director of inspections from 1978 to 1989, where at the time he was the only architect in the nation to head such a department and was first elected to the City Council in 1989 where he has served the citizens of Peoria as councilman of the Second District and presently as councilmen at-large until his passing.

Gary was a Yankees fan and an avid motorcyclist, completing the "Iron Butt" ride from the northern tip of Alaska to the southern tip of Key West, Fla., rode the old Route 66 several times, was a British car collector, race car driver, Formula One enthusiast and a Beamish Stout lover (with Guinness as a close second). A man of the people who will be missed by all that knew him.

A celebration of Gary's life will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Gateway Building on the Peoria River Front.

The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com.