Gary Howard Craig, 79, of Rockford, passed away on September 21, 2025.
Born June 29, 1946, in Rockford, Gary graduated from West High School, class of 1964. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force before beginning his career as a member of the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union, Local 23.
Gary was a lifelong sports fan and athlete. He enjoyed playing and watching football, basketball, baseball, and softball, but his greatest love was cheering on his Chicago Bears. In his younger years, he also enjoyed swimming, tennis, and spending time with friends at the bowling league at Fairview. Above all, Gary loved his family. He will be deeply missed by his children, Michelle (Kurt) Wilson, Danelle Mangruem, Nicole Ponds, Jennifer Caple-Craig, John (Cortney) Craig, and Ryan (Ashley) Craig; his 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Jill Craig; and the family dog, JoJo. He is reunited in peace with his parents; brothers, Johnny Craig and Don "Bob" Craig; his son-in-law, Calvin Mangruem; sisters-in-law, Laurel (Randy) Gardner and Martha Weber; his beloved wife, Peggy Craig; and his beloved dog, Bear. Gary's family extends a huge thank you to his primary care physician, Dr. David Jeong as will as the staff of Northern Illinois Hospice, with a special thanks to his nurse, Drew, CNA Michelle and CNA Shamir. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main St., Rockford. A Celebration of Life will follow at 6:30 p.m. Celebrant Jennifer Thompson will officiate. Live Stream of the service can be viewed here: https://my.gather.app/remember/gary-howard-craig Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com .