Gary Eilert, 62

Gary Wayne Eilert was born on April 29, 1963 in Beloit, Kansas, the son of George and Anita Brummer Eilert. He died Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita at the age of 62.

He grew up in Beloit where he attended St. John's before graduating from Beloit High School in 1981. He was a highly skilled machinist at Sunflower Manufacturing for many years, before going to Landoll Company for the last 12 years.

On August 13, 1988, he married Susan Michels, and in doing so, chose not only a wife, but the lifelong role of father to her son, Chad. Together, they later welcomed two daughters, Sarah and Katie.

He was a quiet presence, steady and constant, never seeking attention yet always there when it mattered most. He lived with a deep passion for life, but nothing mattered more to him than his family. Though soft-spoken, in moments when no one expected it, he could deliver a perfectly timed comment or bit of humor that lit up a room and left everyone laughing, a reminder that his wit was always there just beneath the surface.

He rarely missed a game or event for his children and grandchildren, and when he couldn't be there in person, he made sure to listen on the radio or watch through GameChanger so he never missed a moment. He was also the biggest fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, faithfully cheering them on through every season. He spoiled his family in the ways that mattered most. Through his generosity, his thoughtfulness, and his constant willingness to give of himself, whether it was his time, his attention, or his quiet acts of love. Affectionately known as "Papa" to his grandchildren, they were his greatest pride and joy, and the love he had for them was evident in every story he told, every smile he shared, and every moment he showed up.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Debbie Wilcox, Sondra Richardson, and Diane Glauser; and his parents-in-law, Bob and Parthene Michels.

He is survived by his wife, Susan of the home; son, Chad and wife Keri Eilert of Salina; daughters Sarah Eilert of Beloit, Katie and husband Derek Ekholm of Windom, KS; seven grandchildren, Ashlynd and Paedyn Merrill and Zoee Eilert, Makai Szalay and Ellie Eilert, and Jase and Rhett Ekholm; siblings, Kathy (Dave) Scott of Glen Elder, Marlene Jaso of Louisville, KY, Darlene Fischer of Gardner, KS, Mary (John) Quinley of Salina, Joan (Bill) Meysenburg of Salina, Tim (Betty) Eilert of Beloit, Henry (Betty) Eilert of Mankato, Karen (Brad) Kesl of Hays, and Donna (Scott) Remus of Glen Elder; and a host of nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives, all of whom he held dearly in his heart. He also cherished the friendships he made with his coworkers at Landol, who were like family to him.

Funeral services will be at 10 AM Thursday, January 8 at the St. John's Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 9 AM until Noon at the Roberts Family Funeral Home on Wednesday, & from 4-6 PM with family present at the Church, followed by a rosary service at 6 PM. Memorials may be given to the Diabetes Association or the Gary Eilert Education Fund (for his grandchildren).
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