Wallace Frederick "Wally" Gantter, 90, of Paxton passed away at 11:37 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Paxton with Father Greg Skowron officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery with full military honors accorded by the Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton with rosary beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Wallace was born January 29, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York the son of Frederick Louis and Mary Josephine McGowan Gantter. He married Carol Stricker on July 2, 1960 in Maywood, New Jersey. She survives.

Along with his wife of over 66 years, Carol, he is survived by three children, Gail (Vincent) McGurgan of Lincolnshire, IL, Gwyn (Bill) Gantter-Rogan of Denver, CO, Gregory (Marsha) Gantter of Newburgh, NY, eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and his four sisters, Theresa Watson, Virginia Norwood, Carol Bech and Barbara Simeone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Geralyn "Gigi" Jarboe, and sister Marilyn O'Keefe.

Wally graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in Ridgewood, NY in 1954 and Manhattan College with a Civil Engineering degree in 1958. He also earned a Master's Degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.  Wally served 21 years in the United States Air Force as a civil engineer and building houses and airports.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Paxton, and also a member of the Knights of Columbus for 60 years. Wally was a volunteer for several years in Goshen with AMBCORP.

He had a pilot's license and loved flying. Wally was a train enthusiast and also enjoyed woodworking. Above all else, he was a devoted family man.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or the Knights of Columbus. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.