Gloria Epling

Gloria Dean Epling, 88, of Machesney Park, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 2, 2022, in her own home, surrounded by her loving and caring family.Gloria was born on August 1, 1934, in Rockford, IL, the daughter of John (Jack) and Corinne (Carter) Nicoson. She married Charles (Chuck) Epling on May 13, 1953. Gloria graduated from Harlem High School in 1952. While attending Harlem she was a member of The National Honor Society, GAA, Choir, Quill and Scroll and many other school clubs and activities. During high school Gloria worked at The Snow White In as a car hop, The Rexall Drug Store, The WoodenShoe, and Swede Clark’s Courtesy Auto. After graduating high school, and while Chuck served in the U.S. Navy, Gloria was an Inventory Control Secretary at National Lock Co. Following having children Gloria mainly spent her adult life as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother taking care of her home and all her family. In 1992 she became the Co-Founder of and Administrative Assistant for Chuck Epling Enterprises. Gloria enjoyed following Chuck, her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren in many of their sports and activities throughout the years. She appreciated Chuck’s green thumb (his gardens were always gorgeous) and she really delighted in having them surrounding her house. She loved watching the birds and squirrels that visited their yard. For years Gloria and Chuck spent cherished time vacationing in Hayward, WI with her parents, siblings, children and grandchildren. Gloria also enjoyed singing (especially Frank Sinatra songs), reading, doing puzzles and crosswords, but her favorite past time was the precious time spent with her family. Gloria will be greatly missed by her son Michael Epling, daughter Tracey (Michael) Epling-Lloyd; grandchildren Tiffany (Brandon) Podkowa, Damon (Mallory) Epling, Adriane Heinrich; great grandchildren Isabella Lee and Quinn Joseph Podkowa, Landon Michael and Kylie Dae Epling; sister Sharl (Nicoson) Crandall; sister-in-law Marlene Nicoson; daughter-in-law Marie Epling and several nieces, nephews and cousins.She is predeceased by her loving husband Chuck, parents, in-laws, brothers Danny and David Nicoson, grandchildren Nicholas and Danielle Epling, grandson-in-law Clayton Heinrich, brother-in-laws Robert (Bob) and Gordon (Corky) Boeke; nephew Larry Boeke, brother-in-law Milton (Buzz) Crandall; and sisters-in-law Jackie Nicoson, Mary Boeke, and June Boeke.  Thank you to ProMedica Heartland Hospice for your aid in the care the last month of Gloria’s life. In Gloria’s honor, the family will have a private family gathering at a later date when the entire family can be together. These were her wishes. She will be missed by many! Stateline Cremations assisted the family. To extend condolences go to statelinecremations.com.