Gary M. Vilsoet Obituary (1951 - 2020)

Gary M. Vilsoet, 69, of Pontiac, Illinois, went home to be with the Lord on June 5, 2020 at 1:36 am. Private family graveside services will be held at Chenoa Cemetery, Chenoa, Illinois with Rev. Tom Goodell officiating. The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations may be made to the Community Cancer Center, Normal, Illinois. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac, IL is handling the arrangements. Gary was born January 4, 1951, the son of Walter and Daisy (DeVore) Vilsoet. Gary attended Pontiac Schools and graduated from Pontiac High School in 1969. He then attended Illinois State University where he graduated in 1973 with a Bachelors Degree in theater and a minor in vocal music. He later received his Masters from Illinois State University in Administration. Gary taught English and Speech at Odell High School. He also directed several musicals while there. He taught English at Lincoln College in Pontiac State Penitentiary. Later, Gary became an assistant Warden. Gary was also a realtor and broker in the Pontiac area. He was on the board of the Vermillion Players and directed plays such as "Little Mary Sunshine" and performed on stage acting in several roles. One of the roles he played was the King in the musical "Camelot". After his retirement from the prison, Gary became the Pontiac Township Assessor. His last and current position was a Pontiac Township Board Member. Gary is survived by his cousin Susan (Michael) Brungardt, North Vernon, Indiana. He is also survived by his lifelong friend, Gary (Jim Cascagnetta) Black, Bradford, Illinois. He is survived by Robert (Jennifer) Templeman, Ellettsville, Indiana; and Jon Templeman of Taylorsville, Indiana. He is survived by a caregiver, who was like a son to him, Trae (Rachel) Gibbons. He is also survived by much loved cousins and their families.