Obituaries

Dr. Alan Craig Gasteier, affectionately known as “The Breeze,” passed away on September 3, 2025, in Geneva, Illinois, at the age of 77. Born in Chicago on May 28, 1948, Alan was the beloved son of Conrad and Violet Gasteier.

Alan’s life changed forever the day he met his soulmate, Sheryl (Sherry) Simosky, in 1965. Five years later, in 1970, they married and went on to share 55 beautiful years together filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Whether they were riding his motorcycle or cruising in his Corvette, playing canasta late into the night, or sharing a bottle of wine alongside one of Sherry’s incredible home-cooked meals, theirs was a partnership built on joy, simplicity, and unwavering devotion.

After graduating from Glenbard East High School, he earned his Bachelor of Science from Elmhurst College and his Doctorate of Dentistry from the University of Illinois. In 1975, he opened his dental practice in Batavia, Illinois, where he served the community for more than 40 years. His patients remember him as a skilled, caring dentist who combined professionalism with genuine warmth, and often sent them on their way with a quiet, witty joke.

Outside his career, Alan lived a life rich with passion and purpose. In his youth, he excelled at baseball and carried his love of sports into adulthood, becoming an accomplished tennis player who competed successfully at the state level later in life. He enjoyed golf, long Sunday drives with Sherry, and fishing trips with his son, Brian — though he was always the first to joke about his “mediocre” fishing skills. He also shared countless motorcycle rides, daddy-daughter dates, and adventures with his daughter, Michelle.

Alan will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and authenticity. He had little patience for arrogance or small talk but embraced meaningful conversations, always willing to explore life’s complexities with honesty and courage. Alan was a deeply reflective and intuitive soul. He had a remarkable ability to carry others’ worries and concerns with compassion and grace. Known affectionately as “The Breeze” to his family, he embodied the spirit of being adaptable and gentle, yet strong and impactful when it mattered most. His presence was a comforting reminder to embrace life’s ebb and flow with resilience and kindness. Alan also believed that letter-writing was a lost art, and his letters were ones of legend; written with thoughtfulness, humor, and a clarity that reflected the depth of his heart and mind.

Alan loved traditions that brought family and friends closer— from sharing Cornish pasties with family, to campfires at the Axelsons, to the quiet moments of connection he cherished with those closest to him. To him, these simple yet meaningful moments were the fabric of a life well-lived – full of love, laughter, and connection. His devotion to fostering closeness and his ability to create lasting memories will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Gasteier; his children, Brian (Eileen Mullin-Gasteier) and Michelle Williamson; and his four cherished grandchildren: Emilie (Kempton Swartwood) Williamson, Luke Williamson, Jack Gasteier, and Charlie Gasteier. He was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Violet Gasteier, and his brothers, Trevor Pinch and Terry Pinch.

A visitation to honor Alan’s life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Yurs Funeral Home, 1771 W. State Street, Geneva, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to have a meaningful conversation with someone you love, just as Alan often did.

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