Gregory L. Koertgen, 72, of Huntley, died peacefully October 11, 2021 with his family by his side after a courageous and graceful battle with cancer. He accepted the cancer diagnosis with courage, grace, and humor.
Greg was born March 4, 1949 in Chicago, the son of Leo and Margaret Koertgen.
On March 8, 1975, he married the love of his life and best friend Karen. It was love at first sight for Greg. They started dating in August, got engaged in September, and were married in March.
Greg was a family man who had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Throughout his life, he acquired many names, such as Julius, Kitch, Gregor, Gregorson, and Bampa. He embraced and enjoyed all those roles.
Greg spent over 35 years in the financial services industry. He always enjoyed a business trip and traveling the United States meeting with customers. Even with his hectic travel schedule, he always made it home to be with his family or catch an important family activity.
He could be serious, but never too serious. Greg somehow always knew the right thing to say. He was a golfer, avid Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks fan, and family man. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and grandchildren. From watching their many sports activities to an extended happy hour with the entire family was pure joy for him.
At the young age of 12, Greg became the man of the house to his Mother, Margi, and GiGi. He took such good care of them after the unexpected passing of their older sister Terri.
Greg will be fondly remembered as a devoted husband, brother, father, friend, and grandfather. He cared deeply for everyone.
He is survived by his wife, Karen, his children, Brian (Heidi) Koertgen, Scott (Erin) Koertgen, and Tracy (Brad) Aney, by his 6 grandchildren, Daniel, Thomas, Sophia, Brayden, Peyton, and Andrew, by his sister, Margi (Howard) Kahan and brother, Kris Kertgen and by many nieces and nephews.
Greg was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Terri.
Visitation will be on Sunday, October 17, 2021, from 3-6pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 18, 2021, 10:00am at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or Journey Care Hospice Foundation.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
Our prayers go out to Karen and the entire Koertgen family. We will miss Greg and of course our many laughs during our Covid Friday afternoon “FaceTime” cocktail hours. We treasure our friendship and will miss the “JOY” of Greg.
We love you so much!
Greg was so kind and I liked him immediately, as a new neighbor! His family was so supportive and I felt a deep connection he had with all! I’m so sorry for your loss. Best wishes at this difficult place ❤️
Gonna miss my younger friend, see you on the other side, we can do some plumbing together.
We want to express our sincere condolence and sympathy to Karen Koertgen and her family for the death of her dear husband Greggory. We only met him at the recent marriage of hi daughter Tracy and our grandson Brad Aney, but we were immediately impressed by his friendliness and humor. We know he be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Our deepest condolences to the entire Koertgen family. May God rest his soul forever. We are all praying for you to find peace in knowing that Greg is with our Lord, and raised such a wonderful family that will always keep his memory alive.
Karen, I'm saddened for your family on the loss of your husband. Prayers to you and your family.
I'm so sorry for your loss, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Karen, I am so very sorry for your loss. Peace be with you and your family. Best wishes, Donna Schnabel