W. Gregory Park

Wilson Gregory Park passed away Saturday, December 23rd, at his home with his loving wife of 51 years by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Greg was born in Springfield, IL, on June 22, 1946 to Wilson J. and June Park. He lived in Rochester, IL, and enjoyed giving back to his beloved community. During his life he watched the Village grow from a population of 350 to over 3800. He volunteered on the Rochester Fire Protection District Board, Cemetery Board, Church of St. Jude Building Committee, and was quartermaster of the Rochester VFW, lifetime member of the Rochester American Legion, and was awarded the Rochester Citizen of the Year in 2009. Greg was also very proud that he was able to travel to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and volunteer in recovery efforts on behalf of the National Funeral Directors Association.
After graduating from Rochester High School he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He proudly served his country on the front lines during the Vietnam War. He returned from Vietnam in 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1969. He attended Worsham Mortuary School in Chicago, IL and then returned home to join his father's funeral business. He became owner of the business in 1986.
He attended Springfield Jr. College where he met his wife Kathy. They were married in 1972 and had six children. Greg loved spending time with his family. In the early years, family camping trips were a regular. As the family got older, hiking trips at the Grand Canyon became the norm. Greg loved vacationing and traveling with his family. When grandkids came along, Greg developed a love for Disney right along with the kids. There never was a trip that Pops didn't want to be part of.
Greg is survived by his wife, Kathy, 5 children: Brian Park, Jennifer (Brian) Killian, Erin (Josh) Rovey, John (Tiffany) Park, Megan (Ryan) Lee, a sister: Susan Park, brother: Steve Park and 12 grandchildren: Emma, Kate, Lucas, Aiden, Sydney, Lyla, Carter, Nolan, Ella, Jack, Emersyn and Charlie, who will all miss him dearly.
He was predeceased by his son Eric and his parents, Wilson J. and June Park.
Visitation will be held at Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester, IL, on Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 pm. Additional visitation will be held at Church of St. Jude in Rochester, IL, Friday, December 29, 2023 from 10:00 am until time of Funeral mass at 11:00 am.
Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery and a luncheon will be provided back at the Church of St. Jude in the Parish Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of St. Jude or the Shriners Children's Hospital.
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