Russel Emery Garey

Russel Emery Garey, 64, of Germantown Hills, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 1:13 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at his residence.

He was born on February 7, 1962, in Peoria, Illinois, to Richard and Mary (Stine) Garey. He married Vicky S. Wiley on March 21, 1998, in Secor, Illinois.

Russ is survived by his loving wife, Vicky, of Germantown Hills; his children, Lindsey (Michael) Citchens of Germantown Hills, Illinois; Jenna (Joseph) Fanta of Chicago, Illinois; Derek Wiley of LaGrange, Illinois; Jacob Garey of Chicago, Illinois; and Skylar Garey of Peoria, Illinois; his grandchildren, Deon Ross, Ella Wiley, Lana Citchens, Kobe Citchens, John Fanta, Patrick Fanta, and Luke Fanta; his parents, Richard and Mary Garey of Eureka, Illinois; and his siblings, Kim (Scott) Mogged of Piper City and Jason (Michelle) Garey of Tremont, Illinois.

Russ began his teaching and coaching career at Sterling Middle School in Peoria, IL and then Germantown Hills School District #69, retiring from Germantown Hills School District #69 on May 25, 2018, after dedicating 27 years to teaching seventh-grade mathematics and coaching seventh- and eighth-grade boys basketball. His impact on generations of young athletes went far beyond the basketball court. He taught his players the importance of character, teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and believing in themselves.

Russ was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Hall of Fame in 2018 and was named IBCA Coach of the Year three times.

In recognition of his extraordinary career and lasting impact on the Germantown Hills community, the gym floor at JDS Gym at Germantown Hills Middle School was dedicated in his honor and will forever be known as Coach Russ Garey Court.

This honor represents so much more than wins and losses. It reflects the countless lives Russ touched, the lessons he taught, and the lasting relationships he built with his players and their families. His legacy will live on every time a young athlete steps onto that court.

Russ loved sports and was always happiest when he was participating, watching, or talking about them. He especially enjoyed basketball, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, bowling, and trapshooting. There wasn't a sport he didn't love. He was a lifelong Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Above all, Russ was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, teacher, and coach. He gave so much of himself to the people around him and touched countless lives through his kindness, humor, friendship, and dedication. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel. A private burial of ashes will be held at Secor Cemetery in Secor, Illinois, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the KB Strong Foundation, P.O. Box 35, Washington, IL 61571 or online at https://kbstrong-fightingthefight.com. Online condolences may be left at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7

DONATIONS:

KB Strong Foundation, P.O. Box 35, Washington, IL 61571; https://kbstrong-fightingthefight.com