Gary A. Loberg, Sr., 68, left this planet on November 18, 2021, in order to play with his late dogs, Demon, Yasmin, Buddy, Holly, Sketti and Meatball. It was appropriate that it was during a lunar eclipse as our light dimmed when such a extraordinary soul left us here on Earth. Gary was a hilarious man, always telling jokes and pulling pranks. From picking up the kids at school wearing Halloween masks to wearing motorcycle helmets when teaching his kids to drive and freaking out when he was hit on in a store for his baby blues and shouting Sue’s name instead of saying no thank you.
He was a man who would also give the shirt off his back to anyone in need - though he wanted absolutely no praise or recognition. The big, tough and loud man everyone knew was also the man who was gentle and loving, and enjoyed his grandkids sitting with him in his chair while watching some cartoons and rocking out to music. He loved all of his grandchildren deeply and each considered Grandpa as their first best friend. His big, wrench-turning hands also helped heal a tiny, sick hummingbird back to life. There was a softness under the gruff exterior that was sometimes hidden but immeasurable.
Gary worked for Rick’s Auto and then Carquest as a manager for many years before retirement and was affectionately known as Mr. Gary.
He spent the majority of his life in Aurora, IL but recently retired to Liberty, TN to watch the sunsets on his back porch and listen to the wildlife at night with his wife.
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His passions were cars and going fast. Susan knew when she met him as he had an engine in his apartment kitchen. She fell in love quickly with the man who showed up on the first date with a shirt that had ducks all over it and after spending every single day together, he proposed to her at the end of that week. He was married to the love of his life and best friend, Sue, for over 47 wonderful years.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Susan; his 3 children, Jessica Sakonyi (husband Frank), Rhee McDonough (husband Andy), Gary Loberg, Jr. (wife Michelle); and 5 wonderful grandchildren, Meghan Menard, Austin Sakonyi, Peyton Sakonyi, Eli McDonough and Finnley McDonough. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Loberg, Virginia (Rogers) Loberg, sister Linda Loberg, brother Lennie Loberg and brother Keith Loberg.
As anyone knows, he was a man with the most caring and giving heart, who genuinely saw or brought out the best in everyone he encountered. He gave all of his heart to everyone and anything he touched and will be terribly missed. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to a charity that would make him proud and keep his memory alive.
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Walden’s Puddle - provides care and treatment to sick, injured and orphaned Native Tennessee Wildlife
Human Rights Campaign Fund
https://give.hrc.org/page/62714/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=or_gnr_hrc_homepage2020
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fund(Wouldn’t be Dad if we didn’t add politics!)
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ocasio2020
Organization for Autism Research
https://researchautism.org/get-involved/donate/
In lieu of donations, let go of judgement and contempt and go with love and compassion. And, as he also taught us, always give more than you receive. Feel free to share any funny stories about Gary as our laughter helps his legacy live on.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Family and friends will be notified.
