Gary John Mayerhofer

Gary John Mayerhofer was born in Chicago on February 22, 1966, the son of Carol and the late Albert Mayerhofer. He would often share memories of his wonderful childhood visiting his grandparents in the city and growing up in Mount Prospect, Illinois. He was an avid sportsman, having played baseball and soccer and he shared a lifelong love of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. Gary demonstrated throughout his life the values his parents instilled in him which included a great dedication to family, friends, community, and, service to and caring for others. Gary is survived by his mother Carol, his sister Karen, brother-in-law Mark, two nieces Amanda and Allyson, several aunts, uncles and cousins, and the love of his life, his “Angel,” Ann and her daughter and son-in-law Katie and Michael.

Gary had recently retired in September 2022, after thirty-three years in the city management profession. A graduate of the Northern Illinois University MPA program, he had an incredible career serving the communities of Wheeling, Niles, Highland Park, Libertyville, and finally as the City Manager of Crystal Lake for over nineteen years. He often said it was an honor and a privilege to be in public service and he enjoyed collaborating with the professional staff, the citizens, and the elected officials to make Crystal Lake a great place in which to live, work and play.

He was a fantastic leader, coach, and mentor and he was known for his incredible work ethic, his positive approach to life, his motivational sayings, and his wonderful laugh that was so contagious. He was the friend that you could count on, a calm presence in an environment of chaos, and so many times, the “man behind the curtain” making sure everyone was cared for and everything was in good form so that the program, activity, or event went off without a hitch, while never seeking praise for his efforts and always letting others shine.

His strength and determination were inspirational to others, and he made such a positive impact on so many over the years. His devotion to those he loved and the advocacy and care he demonstrated, through his words and actions every day, will forever be remembered by the many people whose lives were made better by knowing him.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00p.m. (including a spiritual service held at 6:00 p.m.) at the Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 East Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.

In lieu of flowers for the service, please consider making a donation in his name to the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University (cancer.northwestern.edu) or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org).