Gary A. Draeger, 76, of Joliet, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Lightways Hospice on Friday, July 21, 2023. He was born on October 29, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois. Gary is a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the US Navy where he worked on some things he couldn't talk about. After the war, he worked as an Air Traffic Controller, Radiation Chemical Technician, and as a Bartender. There were no crashes, no meltdowns, but plenty of spills.

He was a lifelong car enthusiast, with a preference for Chevrolets. It was always tough work, but Gary was a Chicago Bears fan. He will be forever remembered by his family, friends and colleagues as a creative problem solver, a sharer of new things, and a joker.

He was a son, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be missed by many. There will be a private celebration of life.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www. ferrarifuneral.com

Ferrari Funeral Services of Coal City are entrusted with arrangements.