Gary G. Omark

Gary G. Omark, 82, passed away at home surrounded by his family on September 15, 2024. He was born July 24, 1942, to Gus and Violet Omark. He graduated from East High School in 1960. Gary went on to marry his high school sweetheart, Nancy Shaver on September 15th, 1962. Gary and Nancy raised their two daughters, Marcy and Shelly in Rockford, Illinois. He married Dawn Griffis on May 13, 2000, and gained three daughters, Rhonda, Kristi, and Anita. Gary was well loved as “Pa” by his 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren (plus three more on the way). Gary began working for his dad, Gus, at Omark Auto Service as a young man. In 1972, he took over the business as owner until retiring in 2017 after many decades spent in humble service to his customers.

Gary was known as the “Toy Man” and enjoyed many years of collecting antique toys, among many other cherished collectibles. In his retirement he enjoyed being a part of the Retired Men’s Club at the YMCA. Gary knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior and served him faithfully through his many years in the Rockford community. He enjoyed things like singing and harmonizing to different hymns, fishing, but most of all, Gary was a loving and involved family man. His phone calls, visits, and genuine interest in the lives of those he loved will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Dawn; daughters Marcy (Tim) Carlson and Shelly (Jim) Hall; stepdaughters Rhonda Hofbauer, Kristi Juarez and Anita Countryman. Grandchildren Kiley (Sam) Wallden, Meggie (Wyatt) Shanks, Meredith and Attali Hall, Kaleb Carlson, Abbey (Jerome) Sturm, Zachary and Sharlee Hofbauer, Frank (Vickie), Justina (Kyle), and Lily Juarez, Kayla (Blake) Countryman, and Kenslie (Jackson) Patch; great-grandchildren Lucy and Fletcher Wallden, Wyler and Lydia Shanks, Eleanor Sturm, Liam Dieterman, Brynlee and Jace Patch. Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy and his sister Susan (Jim) Drager.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois. Gary wished for this to be a casual celebration of his life, so please feel free to come in casual attire. The memorial service will take place the following day, Thursday, September 19th, at 1:00 p.m. at First Free Rockford, 2223 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61107. Please join us immediately following the service for a luncheon in Fellowship Hall at the church. Private family burial at Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, consider memorials to Kids Around the World or to Cornerstone Haiti. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com