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Allan Gatz Obituary
He was born July 9, 1957.
He served as a corporal in the U.S. Marines. He was a sergeant of arms for the McHenry County Marine Corps League. He helped disabled Marine veterans.
He participated in Toys for Tots and was an avid golfer, a loving father, and an outgoing, wonderful friend and father figure to many. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughters, Ami Marie Gatz Meetze of Lexington, S.C., and Lindsey Catherine Gatz of Lake Geneva, Wis.; a son-in-law, Joshua Paul Meetze; his parents, Donald Gatz of Roscoe and Mary Lou Gay of Des Plaines; his former spouse, Kelly Glass of Woodstock; his brothers, Michael Gatz of Lombard and the late Steven Gatz; and a sister, Kathy Gatz of Bloomingdale.
A celebration of life will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at VFW Post 5040 in Woodstock. A viewing with family and friends will be from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 13, at St. Patrick Parish of Hartland, 15012 St. Patrick Road, Woodstock. Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to McHenry County Marine Corps League No. 1009 in Woodstock or VFW Post 5040 in Woodstock.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Allan Gatz
Mary Reid
June 3, 2011
Kelly, Ami, Josh, & Lindsey,
We JUST found out that Al passed away. I was in FL at the time. We NEVER would have missed the wake/funeral. Our DEEPEST sympathy. We have the fondest memories of Al, especially from the 80's when all our lives were so close. We have always had a special place in our hearts for Al, as he was a fun loving, kind person. God bless all of you.
With love, Glen and Mary Reid
Jan and Joe Vetere
May 19, 2011
Al was a personality larger than life. He was outgoing, friendly and always welcomed people with a smile and a big heart. The loves in his life were his girls. When we would see each other and he would talk about them, he beamed from ear to ear. He was so proud of the young women that they have become. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kelly, Ami and Lindsey at this time in their lives when their hearts are heavy and their loss is great. With loving thoughts and profound sympathy,
Ginny Kearns Family
May 19, 2011
Ami,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. Hugs to you!
Lindsey, Dad and Ami at Dad's for Christmas, 2008
Ami Meetze
May 17, 2011
Brian, Lindsey, Dad and Marco at Dad's for Thanksgiving lunch, 2009
Ami Meetze
May 17, 2011
Lindsey, Dad and Ami - Thanksgiving, 2009
Ami Meetze
May 17, 2011
Sandy, Dad and Ami - Thanksgiving, 2009
Ami Meetze
May 17, 2011
Ami, Dad and Lindsey watching the Gamecock Football game - NYE 2010
Ami Meetze
May 17, 2011
Lindsey, Ami and Dad watching the bears - Christmas 2010
Ami Meetze
May 17, 2011
Dad, Papa (Al's dad), Ami & Lindsey
Ami Meetze
May 17, 2011
Dad and his Grandpuppy, Skyler
Ami Meetze
May 17, 2011
May 15, 2011
Ami,
I am so sorry about your dad. I know you will miss him terribly. I love you.
Kitty
Andrew Sedlak
May 13, 2011
Wishing the family peace and visualizing Al in everlasting peace and serenity along side of his creator.
Dominic Cannata
May 13, 2011
Al, I have only known you for a short period of time compared to some. But in that short time, I have grown to call you friend. You never failed to bring a smile to everyone you came in contact with. A brother Marine. Go in peace my freind.Semper Fi
Sandy Bartley
May 13, 2011
Ami, take comfort in knowing that you, Josh and your Daddy enjoyed a close relationship filled with love and fun. He treated Josh like a son. You made the effort to talk to your daddy every day. That means a lot to a parent! He will watch over you, with Jesus by his side, in Heavenly peace where he will feel no more pain!!! Your dad was a good man to many and his daughters were his joy in life. Our love and prayers are with you and your family always.
Mary Eckel
May 12, 2011
Peace be with you, Al. I didn't know you very well, but you touched a lot of lives and helped make Woodstock more beautiful. Thanks!
Everton Martin
May 12, 2011
Our journey in life has brought us to this place in time. Overwhelmed with so many challenges surrounding us we often queried as to how we would proceed. One of our greatest challenges is to maintain a 117 year old “Paint Lady” in her golden years. An introduction to an energetic, vibrant, life loving, caring, charismatic “Marine” Al Gatz, answered our call. Knowing we were a retired Navy family he often referred to me as “brother”. No task was too great and no calls went unheeded. We were no longer strangers in this place but part of a brotherhood that lives forever. “Brother Al”, our thoughts and prayers will always be with you and your family. “Marine” ….we bid you…. “Fair Winds and Following Seas”
Everton and Karla Martin, “Royal Victorian Manor Bed & Breakfast”, Woodstock, Illinois
Tina Mason
May 12, 2011
Al ,I feel a loss of a person who was welcomed in to mine and Bobs life, with love and care we will miss you very much. But we know you are with a power greater then us. Love and Prays for your family who are suffering. Will meet again till then love.
May 12, 2011
Jesus, accept my love Al as he walks with you into the Kingdom of Eternal Love. It is a sad day for us here still... he has given us joy and heart ache yet the joy prevails in the accomplishments of his life. May he be remembered for his joyful spirit that was harbored by bodily troubles. ~ Serena
Tara Cady
May 12, 2011
Al, you will always and forever be in my heart and my soul. I can already hear your jokes and laugh at them because you were just too funny. I can already hear you singing along with me in the car to the drive, maybe even to Elton John. You've been the best uncle a girl could ask for! My heart goes out to Ami, Lindsey, Jaimie, Al's co-workers, and everyone else influenced and inspired by Al. You're a cool cat, Al. Love ya. <3
Dean&Amanda Schneiderman
May 12, 2011
"our thoughts and prayers are with you all." R.I.P. al
Gail Swayne
May 12, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the family through this most difficult time. I know how much you will miss him but seek peace in the fact that he is in the arms of our most precious Lord.
Diane Milinac Embach
May 12, 2011
Anyone who has ever known Al will miss his spirit. My heart goes out to Ami & Lindsey. Your strength and your happy memories will get you through these difficult times.
My condolences go out to all of the family and friends alike.
Ronnie & Pati Verrecchio
May 11, 2011
Ami, we are thinking about you and Josh. We praying for you and your entire family at this sad time.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;he will never let the righteous fall.
Tina Foli
May 11, 2011
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
You will be missed.
Mary Polnow
May 11, 2011
Al was a person who could bring a smile to anyones face..Kind, Funny, and Sincere. God's Blessings to his family ~ Kelly, Ami, and Lindsey. Prayers your way!! Lovingly, Doug and Mary Polnow
May 11, 2011
So, so sorry for your loss, and that of your family's, Ami. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Karen and David Shelton (Lexington, SC)
S. Ragusin
May 11, 2011
May God hold you close to ease your pain and sorrow during these difficult times.
Martys Family
May 11, 2011
Al was always smiling and cheerful, he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Wendy Adams
May 11, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Ami and your family.
Tavo, Christina, Zach, Catalina, & Makayla Ramirez
May 11, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers goes out to the family! Al was a loving, kind, generous man. He touched many people in the community. He will be missed by many, especially the Ramirez family.
David Loch
May 11, 2011
May Gog be with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
May 11, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Amy Shear
May 11, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Al's family. Al's kindness, help and support got me, my husband Kevin and my son Lincoln through a rough patch when we had to give up our home. Al was more than just a Marine Corp League Sponsor to Kevin. He was our friend. He always greeted me with a big smile and hug even though he might have been havning a rough day himself. He will be deeply missed.
God Bless,
Amy Shear
May 11, 2011
So long Al, you got that last Whoosh !
Al would give me a hug when I would run into him, I would hug him back...it was the marshmello fluff & birdseed he sprinkled on me, that I didnt care for ! Al was a friend of mine.
John L. Eppley Deputy Sheriff MCSP RET
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