John Gregory Carter

Date of Birth

May 29,1956

Date of Death

Apr 27,2010

MemoriumBorn John ‘Gregory’ Carter May 29, 1956 ~ he entered this world by a life’s thread. He survived and was the wanted son of Arlene and John Carter, and brother of his sister Cathy and brother of Gary. Preceded in death by Grandmother Lily Mae (Cross, then Crang) and Grandfather Merle Cross and Grandfather Alexander Crang ; Grandmother Pearl Carter and Grandfather Grover Carter ; and baby sister Karin Lynn. He was also preceded in death by many aunts and uncles he knew well and remembered fondly. Gregory was also preceded in death by Dorothea Scherer, a woman who knew and appreciated he and his love and interest in music and history. Gregory is survived by his sister Cathy (John Mohnkern), his nephew Matthew, and grand nephew Kieran. Also by his brother Gary (Karen Carter) and loved and loving aunts and uncles, close cousins Ronda and Marsha who shared caring and life’s experiences in many talks and who loved and were loved dearly by him. Gregory is also survived by his closest friends of many years Ron Barshinger and Brian (Julie) Mensching; and his dog, Maggie. Gregory left this world April 27th 2010 from his own apartment in Rochelle Illinois, surrounded by the music he loved and many family archives and his precious dog and companion Maggie Monet. His life was always centered around his gift of music. As a young boy, he could play by ear "Lara’s Theme" from the movie "Dr Zhivago" among others. He was at his best when doing the things he had passion for ~ his music in all its process and settings. He shared these talents in positions with night-spots and many churches within a fifty mile radius. He was primary organist for over twelve years at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Genoa Illinois. His preparation was ‘oh so’ thorough. His performing of all the moods of organ and piano reflected his appreciation of the subtle beauties of these moods and his response to the human spirit and to the human condition in which he participated. At his best, when he and others enjoyed the center part of who he was: his sense of humor, playful and jesting, bonded him to those he kept closest to and communicated with best. In his caring, loving attachment to those of his family and his friends and in sharing himself with them, he saw their kindnesses to him and many times he told them so. This love was strong and affirmed through many hardships and storms. Gregory started his life as a baby in Saginaw Michigan. By the time he was five years old, his family moved to this area of Illinois that included St Charles, Dundee, Genoa, and Sycamore. He graduated from West Dundee High School in 1975. Gregory will also be remembered for his employment with the Sycamore Police Department and the school system as a parking ticket giver and school crossing guard. He will be remembered and loved for the interest he took in his family’s history and as caretaker of family memorabilia. No one will forget his sensitivity to life’s challenges nor will they forget his loud laughter and his imaginative expressive sense of humor. Truly "I love you " were the sweetest words he said and heard, expressed sincerely and openly or in actions of loving. Greg is missed, within our hearts ~ and heart upon heart.

Visitation will be held on Friday May 21 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119 from 6-8PM. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday May 22 at 1:00 in the afternoon at the First United Methodist Church 321 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL, of DeKalb. The Reverend Laura Crites will officiate.

Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Park, DeKalb, IL

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