Gary R. Eiten, 65, of Peru, died April 3, 2019, in his home surrounded by his family after a 17-year battle with cancer.

Gary was born Jan. 24, 1954, in Spring Valley to Lyle and Ellen (Knauf) Eiten of Ladd. He married Mary Alice Lund at St. Patrick’s Church in LaSalle on Nov. 28, 1981.

Gary was a graduate of St. Bede Academy, class of 1972, received a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a Juris Doctor degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law at Illinois Institute of Technology.

Gary was a practicing attorney for 38 years and a partner at Herbolsheimer Law Firm in La Salle. Gary loved spending time with his family, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois Defense Council, La Salle County Bar Association, Ladd Moose, West End Gun Club, and Barney’s Fishing Club.

Gary is survived by his wife, Mary Alice, of Peru; one son, Daniel (Anna) Eiten, of Peru; two daughters, Emily (Jeff) Kelly of Seattle, Washington, and Lauren Eiten of Chicago; one granddaughter, Grace Ellen Kelly; one brother, Nick (Chris) Eiten of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; and his sister-in-law, Hon. Karen Eiten, of Peru.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Don Eiten.