Freeport-Dwight P. Garnhart, 98, of Freeport, died Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at FHN Memorial Hospital.
Born December 09, 1908 in Pearl City he was the son of Orrin C. and Lydia A. (Jurgensmeier) Garnhart. He married Viola May Shilling March 29, 1929 and she died January 21, 1992.
He graduated from Freeport High School in 1926.
A lifetime salesman, Dwight "Garnie" sold candy, paper products, advertising specialties, peanuts, etc. In 1947 he and two partners founded Freeport Wholesale Paper. From 1958 until 1974 he owned and operated, with his wife, the Freeport Driving Range.
A lifetime member of Embury United Methodist Church, he was also a 50 year plus member of Kiwanis and a past president, and participated with the Horse Shoe Leagues.
An avid bowler he was the secretary for Freeport Bowling Association for 23 years. He was inducted into the Illinois Bowling Hall of Fame in 1984.
He was a free lance photographer all of his life, covering events for the Freeport Journal Standard, the Freeport Police and Fire Department, weddings, and high school sports.
He was a Freeport Park District umpire for over 30 years.
In his later years his hobbies included making creations from walnut shells, swimming, and playing cards.
Surviving is one daughter; Sylvia L. Nelson of Freeport; one son Wendell (Ardis) Garnhart of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Terry (Ken) Elgin, Larry Bilgri, Dale Nelson, Kim Garnhart, Travis Hoff, Tracy Hoff, and Lori (Jeff) Lien; 16 great grandchildren; 14 great great grandchildren; 1 niece; and 4 nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, May; one sister, 3 brothers.
Funeral service will be Monday 11 a.m. at Embury United Methodist Church with Reverend D. Robin Benson officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery & Mausoleum.
Visitation will be Sunday 4 to 8 p.m. at Walker Mortuary.
A memorial has been established in his name.
Dwight's family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, or light a candle in his honor at www.walkermortuary.com.