Gary Knight Mickey

Gary Knight Mickey died peacefully on June 28th, surrounded by his wife and daughters in Aurora, IL, where he lived most of his long and happy life. Born in 1939, Gary graduated with a BA in History from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1961, where he was a varsity swimmer and served as president of his fraternity, Theta Chi. In 1965 he received his law degree from the University of Illinois, where he met the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Georgia Steffens Mickey. Together they enjoyed tennis, skiing, bridge, and lake life at their cottage in Michigan with their three daughters, Laura, Kristin, and Joanna. His girls brought him endless joy and gave him six beloved grandchildren, who brought him endless chaos. Gary practiced law for nearly 60 years as a founding partner of Mickey, Wilson, Weiler, Renzi, Lenert & Julien, P.C. in Sugar Grove, representing clients in complex litigation, personal injury, employment law, and nursing home cases. He was especially committed to advocating for women and those facing injustice, deeply believing that every person deserves equal rights and equal justice under law. His favorite activities included extensive reading, yelling at sports on TV, and playing as much golf as possible at the Aurora Country Club, where he served as president from 1985–87, enjoying the company of his many friends and colleagues. In his final months, as the body declined, his witty spirit and sharp mind rarely dulled. He could talk civil rights, American history, Russian lit, baseball stats, and of course tell endless bad dad jokes — whether a quick quip or an in-depth pontification, Gary always had something to share. His grandchildren refer to him as The Boss; he taught them and his daughters so much, and was forever grateful for the love and care of his beautiful wife, Georgia. Gary is survived by his children Laura & Dean Panos, Kristin & Peter Willsey, and Joanna Frank & James Stephenson; and grandchildren Georgia Panos, Nick Panos, Lily Panos, Alison Willsey, Liza Willsey, and John Mickey Willsey. Preceded in death by parents Warren Mickey and Florence Knight Mickey, and sister Debbie Mickey Neltner. His humor and knowledge will live in our memories forever. In lieu of a funeral, a celebration of life will be forthcoming. Memorial donations may be made in Gary’s name to the Paramount Theatre in Aurora.

Gary Knight Mickey

June 26, 1939 - June 28, 2026