Stephan Gary Bivins

Stephan "Gary" Bivins, 70, of Pecatonica, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 in UW Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin. He was born October 24, 1951, in Neosho, MO the son of Robert and Rachel Bivins.

Gary is survived by his wife, Katherine; children Melinda Hermansen, Michael Bivins and Stephanie (Jason) Wessel; grandchildren Tyler Hermansen, Ella Hermansen, Landon Hermansen, Merril Stephan Wessel, Haskel Henry Wessel, and baby girl Wessel (on the way), brother Eddie (Gloria) Bivins, and sisters Sandra Bivins and Joann (John) Deckard. He also leaves behind multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Rachel Bivins, as well as his sister Barbara Rowden, brother-in-law Donnie Rowden and niece Charlotte Ewers McCubbins.

Gary grew up in Dixon, Missouri and graduated from Dixon High School in 1969. He went on to Linn Technical College and completed an Associates Degree. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force for four years. During that time, he and Katherine Kaiser were married on August 28, 1974, in Dixon, MO. Once he finished his term of duty with the US Air Force, he attended Oklahoma State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology. He began and completed his engineering career in Rockford, Illinois, working at Hamilton Sundstrand for many years and retiring in 2015. Gary enjoyed his job, but even more so his co-workers whom he greatly enjoyed pranking from time to time.

Gary was a member of First Baptist Church of Pecatonica, IL. He would proudly share his love for the Lord with anyone, and his biggest goal in life was to bring others to Christ. He was a faithful servant, loved our Savior Jesus Christ, loved his church family, and was always willing to help in any way he could. One of the highlights of his life was going to Israel with his church family and walking where Jesus walked.

Outside of God, Gary's greatest love and devotion was for his family and especially his grandchildren. Quality time with his family was always a priority. He enjoyed telling stories or jokes to his family and had one of the most memorable laughs. His laugh alone would make you smile. He was the most dedicated father and papa, and he would do anything for his children or grandchildren. When asked how he spends his retirement, he would chuckle and say, “I have three kids and five grandkids that set my schedule.” He loved every minute of being involved in their lives. Whether he was known as "Gary", "GB” , "Papa", "Papa G", "Dad", "Mr. Bivins", "Uncle Gary", or "Ory", he was one of a kind, a role model for many, and will be truly missed.

A visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 19, 2022 with a funeral ceremony following at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 819 Washington Street, Pecatonica, IL with Pastor David Meyers officiating. The burial will be in Pecatonica Cemetery, Pecatonica, IL immediately following the ceremony. A lunch will be provided at the church after the burial and all are welcome to attend.