Gary Grant

Gary Grant, 84, of Rockford, IL, passed away unexpectedly on March 4, 2025, after a short illness. He was born on May 20, 1940 in Freeport, IL, to John and Dorothy Grant and was a graduate of Freeport High School, Class of 1958. Gary married Harriet (Shipley) Grant after high school, and together they had four children: Kelli (Dave) Downs, Mark (Kim) Grant, Beth Grant, and John Grant, who preceded him in death in 1974. In 1976, he married Patricia Ann (Panozzo) Grant, and with their union, he welcomed her children into his life: Jeff Patch (d. 1980), Jerry Patch (d. 1982), Jandi (Michael) Jenkins, and John (Sue) Patch.

He was a devoted grandfather to Christine Downs, Ryan Downs (d. 2023), Taylor Downs, John Grant, Shannon McQuay, Brooke McQuay, Teddi McQuay, Jennifer Jenkins, Amber Eller, and Brandon Eller, as well as a loving great-grandfather to Cody

Downs, Cayla Odendahl, Morgan Hirsch, Jordan Walsh, Aubrey Boyer, Keyleigh Brugman, Sophie Brugman, Alex Brugman, and Emma Brugman. He was also blessed to have a great-great-grandson, Carter Downs. Gary also enjoyed spending time with his In-laws Vera Dodson (d. 2005), Sharon (Frank d.2021) Smith, and Kim (Les) Danielson. He will be greatly missed by several nieces and nephews, and his cousins.

Gary worked for many years as a route salesman for Colonial Bread and Hostess before becoming a business owner, operating Windsor Mini Mart alongside his wife, Pat. After retiring in 2002, they enjoyed spending winters in Arizona at Viewpoint Park in Mesa, where they made lifelong friendships and lasting memories.

A man of many passions, Gary loved the Arizona desert, motorcycles, golf, photography, and tennis. He relished his time spent going out for breakfast and lunch with friends, especially at Latham Tap, and was well known for the lively dinner conversations—often turning into good-natured debates—shared with his wife Pat and granddaughter Jennifer.

Gary's presence will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will remember him for his humor, strong opinions, and unwavering love for those closest to him.

A visitation is scheduled for 10:00am, Saturday March 15, 2025, at Riverside Community Church, 6816 North 2nd Street, Machesney Park with a memorial service to follow at 11:00am.  Pastor Bobby Sheets will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gary's life. The family gratefully declines flowers, but prayers, donations to Riverside Community Church, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or The American Cancer Society are gladly accepted.  Please come share memories, stories, and condolences in our guestbook.

Stateline Crematiosn is assisting the family, 6204 Forrest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111 www.statelinecremations.com