Gary Nels Ekberg, 61, of Belvidere, IL, died peacefully on February 5, 2018 at his home.  Born October 28, 1956 in Portsmouth, Virginia to Jerry and Joanie (Ray) Ekberg.

Gary graduated from Belvidere High School in 1974 and studied at Arizona State and Western Illinois University. He was proudly employed at Pillsbury, formerly Green Giant for forty years! He was confirmed and a previous member of Zion Lutheran Church in Belvidere.

Gary was a sports fanatic! He loved golf, was an avid baseball card collector and huge Bears fan.

Gary is loved and missed by his mother, Joanie; brothers, Stephen (Yvonne) Ekberg and Kevin Ekberg; nephews, Nicholas (Amy) Ekberg, Dustin (Paige) Ekberg, Austin Ekberg, Steven Gifford (Desiree); and niece, Shawndrese (Adam) Kamin.

Gary is preceded in death  by his father.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 West Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008. Reverend Scott Stolberg will be officiating.  A visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., prior to the service. Memorials can be made to the family. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.