Gary Hootman

PEORIA – Gary Lee Hootman, 77, of Peoria, formerly of Morton, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022, at UnityPoint Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria.

He was born on May 19, 1944, in Canton, Ill., to Arthur and Ruth (Ellis) Hootman. He married Lynda Pasley on August 28, 1965, in Normal.
Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Lynda; sons, Jim Hootman of Morton and John Hootman of Peoria; daughter, Jennifer Hootman of Lexington, Ky.; brother, Mark (Carol) Hootman of Washington, Ill.; and grandson, Henry Strate-Hootman of Chicago.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother, Alan (Pam) Hootman.
Gary graduated from Illinois State University (ISU) with a B.S. and M.S. in mathematics. While a student at ISU, he was a member of Kappa Mu Epsilon, Math Club, Redbird Rooters, and intramural sports. He taught math at ISU before coming to Morton High School. Gary was a mathematics teacher for over 30 years at Morton retiring in 2003.
A steadfast and supportive colleague, Gary served on the Morton Council Teachers Union and mentored student teachers for many years. As a devoted teacher, Mr. Hootman served as advisor for the Student Council, Freshmen Class, Math Club, and was a member of the Morton Marching Band Parent Board. He launched the local JETS team for Morton High School bringing home several state trophies. During his career, he was the recipient of the “Ace Teacher” award as voted by his students for 10 consecutive years. Gary was a teacher who genuinely cared for the academic success of all students.
An engaged community member, Gary also coached Little League for the Morton Park District and the Morton Girls Softball Traveling Team.
Gary enjoyed fishing, golfing, archery, block parties, playing cards and board games such as checkers, monopoly, dominoes, and chess with friends and family. He also enjoyed reading math textbooks. Mr. Hootman would say, “You read a math equation like you read a sentence.”
A man of faith, Gary attended Grace Church where he and his wife were Sunday School teachers and helped with the Children’s Church program.
A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, January 31, 2022, at Roberts Cemetery in Morton, with Pastor Tim Bertsche officiating.
Memorials may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research or Lutheran Hillside Foundation.
Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.
To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.