Gary R. Wallsten, 76, of Ingleside, unexpectedly passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at home. He was born July 13, 1950, in Chicago, to the late Carl and Helen (nee Holm) Wallsten.

Gary was a registered architect who loved his work and was passionate about his career. He revered Frank Lloyd Wright, winning an award for work done on a Wright house in the Chicagoland area, as well as designing and building his Wrightian-inspired home in Ingleside. He worked for many years at Harris Architects.

Gary had a passion for aviation and space, he was a lifelong member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, he loved baseball, and—most importantly to Gary—he loved to spend time with his family.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Cindy (nee Magiera); sons, Gerik and Zachary Wallsten; sister, Nanette (Jean-Louis “JL”) Poirier; mother-in-law, Janet Magiera; brother-in-law, Raymond (Naoko) Magiera; sisters-in-law, Marion Wallsten, Terri Kluk, and Christine Magiera; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and colleagues.

Gary was preceded in death by daughter, Tessa Ann Wallsten; mother, Helen (nee Holm) Wallsten; father, Carl Wallsten; brother, Jim Wallsten; father-in-law, Raymond Magiera; and sister-in-law, Adrianne Magiera.

The memorial visitation and Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 9, starting at 12 p.m. noon at Parkway Banquets by the Lake, 25212 W. Lake Shore Dr., Ingleside, IL 60041, with a luncheon.