Gary Kordash

Gary J. Kordash, 78, Belvidere, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. He was born in Rockford on March 14, 1946, the son of Julius and Constance (Stockus) Kordash. Gary was a graduate of Rockford East High School, class of 1964. He married Sheila Johnson in Rockford on October 9, 1971. Sheila passed away on November 13, 2018. Gary was an electrical engineer, working as the Midwest Sales Manager of BEI Motion Systems. The couple opened and operated two successful laundromats for over two decades. Gary most recently served St. James Catholic Church in Belvidere as a Eucharistic minister and was active with the Knights of Columbus and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He and Sheila were previously active members of Holy Family Catholic Church. 

Family time included annual trips to the Little Red Cabin Up North, late night Euchre games, fishing with grandchildren, and many treasured celebrations. He fostered many lifelong friendships through his hunting/fishing trips, golf/ bowling/softball leagues, lunch groups, and card games. He was an avid golfer. He played for over 45 years between the "Moe's Pros" Barber Colman golf league and Timber Point crew. He and Sheila traveled with family and friends visiting South Africa, Italy, Machu Picchu, Galapagos Islands, Scandinavia, and several other European and American destinations. Never the center of attention, he drew others in with his loving attentiveness and perfectly timed dad jokes.

Survived by his children, Sarah (Brent) Anderson of Naperville, Laura (Brian) Honda of Chicago and Andrew (Melissa Kent) Kordash of Rockford; his grandchildren, Jenna, Grace and Garrett Anderson, Luke and Dexter Honda, and Gavin Kent; his brother, Joe (Valerie) Kordash of Rockford; his in laws, Barb Johnson, Carol Swenson, Connie (Dale) Gustafson, Keith (Darlene) Johnson, Marty (Sharon) Johnson, and Sonia (John) Pofelski; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his special friend, Deb. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 49 years, Sheila, his parents, his parents in law, Maurice and Verna Johnson, his brothers-in-law, Neil Johnson and Reg Swenson.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church, 402 Church St. Belvidere with the Reverend Timothy Mulcahey officiating. Burial in St. James Catholic Cemetery, Belvidere. A visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. Memorials may be made in Gary’s name to St. James Catholic Church or to the Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State St. Rockford, IL 61102. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.