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Gary Back Obituary

GARY LYNN BACK, 63 ROCKFORD - Gary Lynn Back of Rockford, 63, passed away Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born Nov. 14, 1948, in Mondovi, Wis., to Luther and Ethel (Hardy) Back. Gary grew up in Janesville, Wis., with siblings, Susan (Dahl), Larry and John. After his service in the Navy, he married Lou Jeanne Abels in 1973; they raised two daughters, Shasta (Bray) and Jennifer (Spinello), in Rockford. He drove a bus for Rockford Mass Transit District for 36 years. An active Lutheran, he thanked God every day for life and its many blessings, especially his grandchildren, Caden and Samara Bray, and Porter and Jacob Spinello. He enjoyed nature, fishing, pool, motorcycles, sports and his dogs. Celebration of his life at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1829 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Arbor Day Foundation or Healing Pathways Cancer Resource Center.

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

Published by Rockford Register Star from Sep. 23 to Sep. 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Back

25 Entries

Daniel Hecker

August 28, 2022

I first met Gary when I was taking classes at Rock Valley College in 1989. He drove the bus route for the college. He loved his job, much like as I would learn latter as he loved his family and friends. The guy had love which is a sign of having the Holy Spirit. He was a fountain of wisdom and always had a kind word. In 1990 I stared a 6 year stint in the USN. I stayed in contact with him over those years and when I went back to college to become a Chiropractor. As the story goes I got busy and life happens and we lost contact. I considered him my friend and my life was better for it. I wish I knew of his passing 10 years ago. He taught me a lot about life and being a good person. In the Navy I gave my life to Jesus Christ and I know Gary knew Jesus too. We´ll all meet again in heaven some day. For now the world lost a good man but heaven gained a saint.

Carolyn Greenlaw

September 29, 2012

We loved getting to know Gary, he was just a great guy and we looked forward to seeing him. Our thoughts are with you Lou and with all of Gary's family.
Healing Pathways

Michelle Shervey

September 29, 2012

May loving memories of your husband fill your thoughts during your time of sorrow.My prayers are with you and your family.

Rusty Barnes

September 29, 2012

Hi My name is Rusty Barnes and I wanted to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of Gary. I remember Gary very well through my Dad Virgil Barnes who also drove for RMTD. Again my deepest sympathy!

Ruth Bruegger

September 28, 2012

Lou my heart and thoughts go out to you and your family.

Ron Schoepfer

September 28, 2012

Gary was a very professional driver and quality individual that was well respected by all. A true measure of a man.

Kevin Wippermann

September 27, 2012

Gary was a great man, he was always alot of fun, and very easy to talk to. I remember going fishing with my family up in Ely MN and Gary caught a 10 lb walleye, he was quite the fisherman. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Psalm 16
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever

Wayne & Mary Kaim

September 27, 2012

A fair, compassionate, considerate and devoted friend that blessed us with his presence. And the best walleye fisherman you could ever hope to meet. We will always sincerely miss Gary and remember Gary for what he gave to us in his caring and sincere consideration of everyone's feelings. Gary was a friend to enjoy and a friend to learn from. Without a doubt Gary was a fulfilled person that did have his interests that he thoroughly enjoyed, but it was more obvious that his family was his greatest treasure. Knowing Gary since before he was married I could easily see how meeting his wife that then grew into his children then grandchildren continually elevated his appreciation of life and his thanks to God for the inexplicable mysteries of life that were most evident to him by the loving gift of family. Looking forward to seeing Gary again on the other side.

Neva Grady

September 26, 2012

Sorry to hear about Gary. He was a fun & professional man to work with.

September 26, 2012

Lou, Shasta and Jennifer, my prayers are with you. What a great man Gary was. He brought smiles, hugs and even a poke in the arm to many a youth at Faith Lutheran where he served with me doing youth work. Blessings my friends, Melissa Solchenberger

September 26, 2012

Gary was one the greatest guys I have ever met! I enjoyed working with him for many years! The greatest husband, father, and grandfather! And Son! Will never meet another person like him. They threw away the mold! May God bless the family! Margaret Benjamin

fred yakel

September 25, 2012

one of the real good guys. even though he was a packer fan.

Debbie Dodson

September 25, 2012

Gary was one of the drivers I liked the most when I rode the bus to work every day. He will be missed by our family and by many other people. My prayers go out to his family.

Angela Spray

September 25, 2012

Gary was very dear to myself when I was growing up and was close with my grandfather I knew him when I went to Faith Lutheran. I will always remember you.

September 25, 2012

lou, shasta and jen, so sorry for your loss. Gary was a really great friend and our families had a wonderful fellowship during those faith lutheran days. peace, sue emery (trotter)

Pam Deitering

September 25, 2012

Jerry and I remember Gary from our days at Faith Lutheran. What a wonderful person! So glad we knew him. Great memories.

Lisa Brown

September 25, 2012

Gary touched so many lives as a driver for RMTD. His dedication, compassion and professionalism is missed daily. Gary, your memory will always live on!

Brad Peak

September 25, 2012

I am very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. An old friend from the past that I will always remember. God Bless!

Bob and Mary Lynn Belk

September 24, 2012

Bob and I are so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. But there is no more suffering now. We worked with Gary at RMTD many years, he was a wonderful Christian man. Our condolences to Lou, Shasta and Jenny and their families.

JUDY OSTRANDER

September 24, 2012

LOU,I am so sorry to see that Gary passed away. I didnt know him very well, but the few times I did visit with you guys, he was such a great and fun person. Its a hard time to go through, but stay strong and remember all the good things and you will get through just fine. Hes going to really be missed. May God be with you and your family and we are truly sorry for your loss. JUDY AND TRACY [OSTRANDER]

Dennis Manz

September 24, 2012

I met Gary many years ago, as we were growing up in Janesville, and we became friends. Gary was a good person and someone I am grateful to have known. I am sorry for your loss.

Diane Montena

September 24, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss.May you find comfort in God's love.

Eric Fishe

September 23, 2012

Gary was a great co-worker, a man of his word, and a genuine soul. He will be missed by all who knew him and all that knew him try to strive to be the person he was. He rests in a much better place now. My condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

martha picchi

September 23, 2012

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

John Carter

September 23, 2012

Gary was a great friend and role model. I am going to constantly remember all the good conversations we shared. Going to miss you buddy.

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