Gary Krahenbuhl passed away at his home in Tempe, Arizona, on February 16, 2026, surrounded by family. Gary grew up on the family farm in Steward, Illinois, and remains deeply connected to the community. He attended Northern Illinois University, played on the varsity basketball team, and graduated with a master’s degree in education. Later, he completed a doctoral program at the University of Northern Colorado. He married Richey Wrenn on April 2, 1966, and lived the rest of his life with her across Illinois, Colorado, Hawaii, and Arizona. Gary spent most of his professional life in higher education leading colleges and institutions, including Arizona State University as faculty member, Dean and retired as Senior Vice President and Deputy Provost. Arizona State University now honors faculty each year with an award entitled, “The Gary Krahenbuhl Difference Maker Award.”  He also served nationally as President of the Council of Colleges of Arts & Sciences as well as several other significant leadership positions.

Gary was a modern-day renaissance man. In addition to his professional work as an academic, he was also a designer and builder, overseeing the construction of the home he lived in from 1983 until his death, in Tempe, Arizona; he was a historian, publishing historical work on the Wickness-Espe family history in Norway; he was a college basketball player and a coach; and he was known by all as a man who genuinely worked to make the lives of those around him better.

He is survived by his wife Richey and four children, Lisa (Lance) Harringon, Julie (Cary) Truelick , Kevin (Allison) Krahenbuhl, and Michael (Allison) Krahenbuhl; his grandchildren Noelle (Ari) Hendler, Brooke (Sam Eichenblatt) Harrington, Caden Truelick, Ashlyn Truelick, Audrey Krahenbuhl, Ethan Krahenbuhl, Sophie Krahenbuhl, and Ava Krahenbuhl; his three great grandchildren, Brandt Hendler, Evan Hendler, and Ella Eichenblatt; his three siblings Scott Krahenbuhl, Doug Krahenbuhl, and Deb Hueber; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian, father, Orville, and his brother, James.

A visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb, Illinois, on Friday, February 27th, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

A funeral service will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church, in Lee, Illinois, on February 28th, at 10:00 AM, followed by a graveside interment at Union Cemetery.

A celebration of life will also be held in Tempe, Arizona, on April 18th. Please contact Lisa, Julie, Kevin, or Michael as necessary for further information.

The family would prefer that those who would like to give flowers or other memorial gifts instead make a donation to the Gary Krahenbuhl Difference Maker Endowment, at the Arizona State University Foundation, which can be accessed at the following internet address: https://www.asufoundation.org/changing-futures/inspire-tomorrows-game-changers/gary-krahenbuhl-difference-maker-endowment-CA100780.html.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.