In Memoriam: Gary Francis Wannemacher
August 14, 1950 – May 9, 2026
Gary Francis Wannemacher of Downers Grove, Illinois, died on May 9, 2026, at age 75.
Wannemacher spent nearly 38 years with Nth Degree. He was one of the foundational figures in the company’s growth and operations. Before Nth Degree became a major force in the exhibit and live events industry, he was part of the original Installation & Dismantle, Inc. team.
Over his career, Wannemacher became widely respected throughout the tradeshow and labor community. He was known for leadership, professionalism, and the ability to navigate demanding markets and show floors. He became most closely associated with Chicago and McCormick Place. However, his work also helped strengthen Nth Degree’s presence in Boston, Miami, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Indianapolis.
As Midwest Regional Manager, Wannemacher developed a reputation for steady leadership and deep operational knowledge. He also understood union relationships, facility regulations, and large-scale show management. Colleagues described him as calm under pressure, reliable, selfless, and deeply respected.
Nth Degree said Wannemacher was “a true industry legend.” The company said he helped build its foundation, culture, and service standards over nearly four decades. Even after retirement, Nth Degree said, his influence continued through the “whatever-it-takes” approach and commitment to relationships that defined his career.
Those relationships showed in the response from colleagues across the industry. Robert Dobinski called Wannemacher a “great guy” who “made Chicago easy” and was “a calming soul.” Jeff Masters remembered him as a “great brand ambassador for I&D and Nth Degree.” Masters also said few people were more respected or helpful. Michael Tuohey said he always looked forward to Chicago shows because he knew Wannemacher would be there.
Other comments echoed the same themes. Rusty Merritt called him a good man who “always did all he could” to help. Bill Force remembered him as a great golfer, friend, and “one of the best to work with.” Tony Andrews described him as “hard working, reliable and a good man all in one.”
Wannemacher was honored by Exhibit City News (ECN) with the Lifetime Achievement ACE Award in 2019. The award recognized his decades of leadership and contributions to the tradeshow industry. Coworkers and clients described him as a mentor, ambassador, problem-solver, and leader who always put his team first.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Jim Wannemacher, Gene Wannemacher, and Linda Pickerman.
Wannemacher is survived by his wife, Kerry DiBenedetto; his son, Gary Wannemacher and his wife, Leanne; his sisters, Edith Wannemacher, Anne Carter (Larry), and Ellen Schroeder (Dave); and his siblings-in-law, Saundra Wannemacher, Judy Wannemacher, Katrina Wannemacher, and Jason Pickerman.
Gary Wannemacher’s passing is felt across his family, friends, colleagues, and the tradeshow industry community he helped shape over nearly four decades.
