Gary L. Planck
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It is with great sadness that we lost Gary Planck (62) Sunday, August 27 at 2 a.m., the time he would be coming to The Wheel for his nightly routine.
Gary L. Planck was born August 5, 1960, the son of Elgin and Rachel (Auten) Planck. He was a 1980 graduate of Lawrence High School. Gary was hired by KU Facilities on August 2, 1983 and continued to work until he was forced to retire April 30, 2022 (38 years, 8 months, 28 days) due to an illness.
Since 1988, in addition to his full-time job at KU, Gary has been cleaning The Wheel and recycling the cans. That is a lot of cans in 34 years! Gary led a simple life, but so loyal and dedicated in everything he did. He will be missed by many.
Funeral services for Gary will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2022. The family will greet friends from 1 – 2 p.m. prior to the service at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s name to Shriners Children’s Hospital and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Condolences to family and friends . . . Rest in Peace.
What a nice guy, and a giving guy. It was summed up he led a simple life was loyal, and dependable. No one could have said it better. Got to know him in high school. Lost track of him over the last 5 years or so. I am positive he is above us now. Thoughts and prayer to the family.
Gary was genuine and fun character. I just spoke to him about 2 months ago while he was doing his second job. I worked with Gary at KU several years in same building. Happy trails Dude. -Brad Mullenix
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Went to school with him. Such a nice person. Rest in peace.
I got to know Gary while he worked in what use to be the Art and Design Building that is now Chalmers Hall. I always think of him when I enter the building. It doesn’t feel the same without him. Gary cared deeply about helping people. He would find something that someone threw away and just know that I could use it for teaching or that I would pass it on the the right student. He was always amazed by what people threw away. When the snack bar was open in our building he would come back when it closed to pick up the food that was going to be discarded. He would give it to a mother in need for her family. I too, use to do this when I worked in L.A. so when I saw him do this, I knew he was a kindred soul. I wanted to be this friend but it took several years because he was shy. He was selfless and did so many little, but important things to help take care of others. I wish there were more people like Gary in the world. He will be missed and fondly remembered.
I worked in Art and Design building snack bar for over 13 years. saw Gary every day. Such a nice giving caring man. Rest in Peace Gary. You earned it. We will miss you
Gary was a great person to have known and work with
My friend, my buddy, my work associate. You are missed everyday now by me and many others. You walked softly around us but your presence was felt. Your friendship and kindness was your greatest quality. God Bless may your spirit be soaring and your soul is with our lord.
Good bye my friend.