Henry "Hank" Gass

Born: Sept. 14, 1919; in Chicago
Died: May 8, 2011

ROCKFORD – Henry "Hank" Gass, 91, of Rockford, formerly of Elburn, passed away Sunday, May 8, 2011.

He was born Sept. 14, 1919, in Chicago, the son of Frank and Katerino (Sagodie) Gass.

Hank grew up in Berwyn and attended local schools. He graduated from Morton Twp. High School in 1937 and then attended University of Chicago.

Hank enlisted into the U.S. Army on Aug. 20, 1942, and served his country in the Philippines and Japan until his honorable discharge on Feb. 10, 1946.

Upon return to civilian life, Hank worked as a systems analyst for several companies throughout the country.

Hank was lucky in love four times in his life, most recently when he was united in marriage to Bernice Newton on Nov. 2, 1984. They began their new life together in Elburn until 2006 when they moved to Barb City Manor in DeKalb for a time. They settled in Rockford a year later where Bernice continues to make her home.

Hank was a former member of the Elburn American Legion and Lions Club. He also was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose in St. Charles and a local area Toast Masters Club.

Hank loved to fish at his family's cottage in Grand Haven, Mich. He also was a "big fan" of Christmas and all its holiday trimmings. He always had at least two Christmas trees and decked out his house inside and out every year. He was known as "Happy Hank" at Walmart in Aurora where he "worked" as Santa for several years. His bright spirit and friendly smile continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bernice; one stepson, Steve (Joanne) Newton of Rockford; four stepgrandchildren; one sister, Lorraine (Al) Ochsner of Geneva; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Anton "Tony" Gass.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon with a funeral service to follow at noon Wednesday, May 11, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. Rev. Michelle Prentice-Leslie, pastor of The Community Congregational Church of Elburn, will officiate, and interment will follow the service at Blackberry Township Cemetery, Elburn.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name to benefit his favorite charities. Checks may be made to the "Hank Gass Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.