Gary Ross Lang

Gary Ross Lang, "the man, the myth, the legend", of Rockford, IL, passed away September 21, 2025, at home with his family by his side. He was 74 years young. Gary was born on September 15, 1951, to Ross Lang and Thelma (Mason) Lang. Gary attended Harlem High School. After high school, Gary worked for Clinton Electronics as the maintenance lead man for over 50 years. He helped build the Clinton Electronics plants in Taiwan and Algeria. Gary loved his Clinton Electronics family and still spoke of them often after his retirement. Gary married Deborah Palmer on September 25, 1982. Gary passed away just shy of their 43rd wedding anniversary. Gary and Deb have three children, Krystle, Melanie, and Garrett. Gary built the family home with his own two hands. It was a home for everyone who entered. The holidays were always filled with friends and family. Everyone always felt at home while at Gary and Deb's house. While Gary was building the house in the early 80's, he and Debbie lived in the barn he also built. This barn would turn into Gary's home away from home, and his man cave. Gary could be found sitting in his barn, watching Hallmark Christmas movies while drinking his Stroh's Beer and puffing on a Camel. Gary could build anything, fix anything, and do just about anything. He may have cussed a bit, but he could do it. If you asked Gary a question, he would come back with sarcasm and humor. If you asked Gary how he was doing, his answer was always "Old, fat, bald, and ugly. Nothing new". He was a funny man with a heart of gold. He gave his family a beautiful life. He selflessly sacrificed anything he had to make sure his family did not go without. Gary was the life of the party. He was loved by all who met him. He couldn't walk through Menards without several employees who he befriended saying "Hey Uncle Sy" because he looked like he walked out of the set of Duck Dynasty, with his long hair and long beard. He always made a Menards trip at least once a week. It was the only place he went because he wanted to. Otherwise, Gary was a homebody. Gary deeply loved his grandchildren. He taught his granddaughter Sarah how to mow and use power tools. Gary taught her how to be the "man of the house" for when he was gone. They shared a special bond that Sarah will cherish for her lifetime. Gary will be deeply missed by his family and everyone who knew him. We can only believe he was welcomed into Heaven by his dad, mom, and brother Bill on the Sunday of his passing. For years, every Sunday, his mom and brother would come out to the house, bribe him out of the barn, and visit for several hours. They always enjoyed a few of his Stroh's and lots of laughter. Gary is survived by his wife, Debbie; children, Krystle, Melanie, and Garrett (Anna) Lang; grandchildren, Ayden, Sarah, Ariyah, Harper, Jett, Willow, and Bradley; brother, Roger (Debbie) Lang; sister, Debbie (Jim) Alexander; and several nieces; nephews; and cousins. Gary was predeceased by his father, mother, and brother. Memorial service for Gary will be held at 6:00pm with a visitation from 4:00pm until the time of the service on Thursday, October 2, 2025, in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, 4311 North Mulford Road, Loves Park, IL 61111. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Gary's memory. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Ross Lang, please visit our floral store.