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BORN
1941
DIED
2020
Gary Coltrain Obituary
Gary Dean Coltrain, loving husband, "Dad" of three children, "Papa" of eight grandchildren, and "Great Gravy" of ten great-grandchildren, passed away at the age of 79 on Sunday, August 30, 2020 in Rockford, IL, surrounded by his family following a short illness. He was born on May 24, 1941 in Mystic, Iowa to Floyd and Gwen Coltrain. Gary married Carol Knodle, the love of his life, on December 24, 1962. He worked at Rockford Drop Forge, was an Owner/ Operator, and finished his career at A&B Freight Lines in Rockford, Illinois.
Gary loved life. He was an avid fisherman and traveler. Gary enjoyed camping with his family and his many Kings of the Road camping club friends. Gary was the life of any party and loved a good laugh.
Predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Gwen Coltrain, sisters Shirley and Pamela, and brother Randy. Survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol Coltrain of Byron; son, Kurt Coltrain of Leaf River; daughter, Darci (Todd) Eisele of Leaf River; son, Craig (Lisa) Coltrain of Byron; grandchildren: Stacy, Jessi, Jory, Jade, Jenner, Taylor, Ashley, and Austin; great-grandchildren: Jasmine, Faith, Savannah, Lavender, Wilder, Owen, Wyatt, Onyx, Paxton, and Brixon; and sisters Bonnie and Judy Coltrain of New Milford, IL. A private Celebration of Life will be held by his immediate family in his honor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Coltrain
Thackery Barbary
September 25, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Keith Sondgeroth
September 10, 2020
Gary was a good neighbor. He was very meticulous about his home and yard. Gary was always good for a few good laughs. He will be greatly missed.
Sara Hamer Mallow
September 8, 2020
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I pray that your memories give you comfort in the coming months.
Marc and Sheri Romine
September 7, 2020
Carol and family,
Sheri and I are so sorry for your loss of Gary.
He was such a great neighbor, and for me a friend.
I’m truly saddened and will miss our backyard talks. He will be greatly missed.
We will continue to pray for you all.
Marc and Sheri Romine
Marc Romine
September 7, 2020
Carol and family,
Sheri and I are so sorry for your loss of Gary.
He was such a great neighbor to us and for me, a friend. I’m truly saddened and will miss our back yard talks, he will be greatly missed. We will continue to pray for you all during this very difficult time.
Marc & Sheri Romine
Marc Romine
September 7, 2020
Carol and family,
Sheri and I are so sorry for your loss of Gary. He has always been such a great neighbor, and for me a friend.
I’m deeply saddened and he will be truly missed. I always enjoyed are back yard talks. We will continue to pray for your family’s healing. Marc & Sheri Romine
Brenda Harleman
September 6, 2020
Carol and family, so sorry to hear of Gary's passing! Our families go back years & have so many great memories together with our kids, church, school, family outings together, dressing chickens, scouting & great friendship times! One times when Gary went to Lake Michigan & came home with tubs of fish, our boys & Gray loved teasing the girls with them, but were so good! He had patience with the boys always teaching them how to do new things. Always that smile & a crazy comment as he came in the door when we ladies would be at your house. A great family man, who'll be missed so much! Sending prayers & love to all of you!
Dennis Saam
September 5, 2020
Carol and Family - I remember when I was a mechanic at Lunde Truck Sales, and Gary brought his first truck in for service work. We had known each other before that but we bonded over that truck, and his dream to be his own boss. Denny Saam, Chugiak, Alaska
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