Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

1959 - 2022

BORN

1959

DIED

2022

About

Taft High School North Park University University of Illinois Chicago

Gregg Gierke Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gregg Norman Gierke (Coach, GG-Grandpa Gregg) on November 3rd,2022.

Gregg was a Chicago native who attended Taft High School 77. He played on 3 NCAA National Championship basketball teams at North Park College in 78, 79, & 80, and earned his Master's Degree at UIC in 1982. Gregg was inducted into the Chicago Basketball Coaches' Association Hall of Fame in 1995. He went on to compile 512 wins and 10 Championships as a college and high school basketball coach. He took his teams to the #1 Ranking in the Nation 11 times.

Gregg was the fourth of five children (Scott, Glenn & Todd). He is preceded by his loving parents Norman and Catherine Gierke, brother Bill and infant daughter Abby.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Lynsey Huilker (Mike), son Kyle (Nicollette), & son Layne; Grandchildren: Mila, Michael, & Giana as well as countless loving nieces and nephews. Gregg will also be missed by his beloved Husky, Raylee, who was by his side wherever he went.

As successful as his career was, his biggest success was being a father. There was nothing that made him happier than his three children. Much like he did coaching his players, he coached his children through life to work hard, family first and to always "leave it out there". Nothing made Gregg prouder than his children's accomplishments from growing families and successful careers. His love for his family was undeniable.

In recent years, his three grandchildren became the center of his world much like the hundreds of children he coached in private lessons and camps. Dad, Coach and GG will have a special place in many hearts.

A celebration of Gregg's life is currently being planned at his home in Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. www.jdrf.org

JDRF PO Box 37920 Boone, IA 50037-0920

OR

The American Heart Association www.heart.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orlando Sentinel from Nov. 22 to Nov. 23, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Gregg Gierke

Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.

14 Entries

Steve Gregory

August 31, 2024

Gregg was a classmate of mine at Edison and Taft. Probably the smartest guy in our grade school class. He could be obnoxious but not annoying and was very likable. I think he just liked pushing people's buttons, in a jovial way. he liked to have fun. I couldn't believe that he passed away. I remember running into him once near North Park College and he spoke briefly about his daughter being at Childrens Memorial Hospital, where I worked for 36 years as a Respiratory Therapist in the NICU. If any of his kids are reading this, I have a hilarious story for them about their dad and I going back to the 8th grade with our teacher, Mrs. Scanlon. I had the greatest admiration for Gregg.

Don Wilk

October 15, 2023

Gregg was a fine teammate and leader on the court at Taft HS in Chicago. He helped us to a 22-4 season in `75-`76 under coach Frank Hood, and I think the team did even better the following season. He was definitely a positive influence and a blessing!

FERNANDO

August 23, 2023

RIP GREGG.

Pat Watson

March 18, 2023

I only knew Gregg briefly but am so sad to hear he had passed. He really truly lived for his family and his love of basketball. RIP Gregg!! And my deepest sympathies to his entire family. Pat Watson

Gini & Steve Eberling

December 28, 2022

Hi, I know this is very late. We met Greg at the pool at Storey Lake. We always had our service dogs Stanley and Sniper at the pool. At first, the y didnt get along but quickly became friends. We would sit at the pool and talk with Greg and Raylee for hours. We are so sad to hear this news. I believe we were with him the day before he passed. We had just moved to Storey Lake in October 2021. Our son lives there in the townhomes and we come there in the winter months. We were just there from October 13 - November 9. He wanted me to make lasagne the next time we came down. I text him Merry Christmas and that we would do a lasagne dinner after we got there after 1/21/23. Never heard back and felt something was wrong. We are so sad for you loss. He talked about all of you a lot and was so proud of the lives you had established. If you would like to reach out, my number is (856)498-6631.

Chuck Walters

December 5, 2022

Greg was a great man and a very good coach at Kishwaukee College. I remember his daughter in her cheerleading outfit and his son shooting hoops at halftime. He is way too young to have died. A very good man.

Bob Hack

November 26, 2022

I'm very sorry to hear of Gregg's passing. We were classmates at Taft High School. May all of your good memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.

Mike Cardine

November 24, 2022

When I talked with Gregg the first thing was about our kids. The last time we talked was after the last storm, he had trees planted in backyard. He was hoping the big tree make and it did. We had made plans to get together in February. God bless Gregg

Greg "Cherokee" Sulaver

November 23, 2022

Coach called me in spring of 95. He couldn't believe I wasnt playing ball after high school. He offered me a scholarship. I learned so much about basketball & life in my 2 years at Kish. Almost win a national championship. I graduated NIU with no debt because of my time at Kish. My kids know more basketball because of what I learned from Coach. The relationships I made (and retain to this day) make me a better person and police officer. I just hope his kids read this and know how deep his effect runs. It was great having him as a ref for my son in recent years

November 23, 2022

Loved you with all my heart.
I´ll look for you in clouds.

KW

Rice

November 23, 2022

I am very sorry to hear about Coach Girk's passing. Me and some of my closest friends shared many great moments with coach, and he will forever be a part of my memories. I remain thankful for the opportunity he gave me that opened up so many other opportunities in my life. Rest easy Coach!!

Mike Parker

November 23, 2022

I´m sorry to hear of Gregg´s passing. He was always smiling and always loved being around the court and talking basketball. He had a passion for the game and gave everything he could to it whether it was playing, practicing, coaching or reffing. He touched many lives.
RIP coach

Phil Priest

November 23, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of Gregg´s passing. He and I were classmates at Edison, Taft, and EPLC Confirmation Classes. Freshman year at Taft we were lab partners in Biology class. In the "slower moments" of class we would practice shooting free throws (balled up paper into the trash can) and work on perfecting our autographs for when we became famous athletes (Gregg got much closer to that goal than I ever did!). We shared many laughs together in school. I saw him most recently at the Taft 40th class reunion a couple of years ago and was able to chat with him there. My condolences to Gregg´s entire family on your loss.

Craig & Mardy Lewis

November 23, 2022

We are very sad to learn of Coach Gierke passing we grew to admire and love him as he coached our son Chris Lewis at FCCJ in Florida . His love for his family was strong and it was clear to see how he felt about them that´s the one thing that we truly admired about him . I don´t think the kids ever missed a game I know we didn´t . We had a great deal of respect for him . He was famous in sports
but stayed very humble toward others. He was loved and will be missed by many . Craig & Mardy Lewis .

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results