Paul Gary Wilhelm was born to Paul and Bernice (Hadley) Wilhelm on August 16, 1938 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was baptized September 25, 1938 by the Zion Lutheran Johnson pastor, Rev. R. H. Riensche on the family farm near Graf. Gary was later confirmed at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Tecumseh, Nebraska.

After graduating from Tecumseh High School in 1956, Gary enlisted in the Air Force on August 31, 1956. He served his country during peacetime until his honorary discharge on August 30, 1960. He met his future wife, Janet Parsons, while he was stationed in Delaware. For their engagement, Gary sent her a ring and a plane ticket to her in the mail.

Gary and Janet were united in marriage on April 2, 1961 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Gerken officiating. To this union two daughters were born, Annette and Teresa. They made their home east of Tecumseh where they raised their family. Gary and Janet celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary before her passing December 7, 2016.

Gary farmed and worked construction running the backhoe trenching for many years with Bob Kuhl. After retirement and Janet’s passing, he was a resident at Ridgeview Towers in Tecumseh until moving to Omaha to be closer to his daughters. He enjoyed making Wilhelm’s homemade wine. Over the years Gary loved square dancing with Janet and many friends in their square dance club.

Gary went home to be with his Lord on April 30, 2026 at the age of 87 years.

He is survived by his daughters, Annette Wilhelm of Omaha and Teresa Cecil of LaVista, grandchildren, Logan Cecil and wife Deidra and their children Belle and Charlotte and Taylor Jones and husband Spencer, sister Rosie Sugden and husband Duane of Sterling, niece Christi Etheridge and husband Jeff and their children Ryan and Alex and nephew Tim Sugden, as well many close friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Bernice and wife Janet.

Memorial services were held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, 2026 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Tecumseh, Nebraska with Rev. Marcel Kohlmeyer officiating. Organist, Loretta Kerchal, accompanied congregational hymns, “The Old Rugged Cross”, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and “Amazing Grace.” Inurnment was in the Spring Creek Cemetery, rural Tecumseh, Nebraska. Memorials may go to the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Spring Creek Cemetery or Brookstone Nursing Home.

Services were entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.