George j. Gow

George J. Gow, Huntley, IL passed away July 19, 2023, at Northwestern Huntley Hospital. He was born in Chicago on April 23, 1935, to James W. and Teresa A. (Buza) Gow, he was an only child. He married the love of his life, Patricia E. Kolin (also an only child) on January 10, 1959. Together they lived their dream of having a big family. He is survived by Pat his wife of 64 years; his 4 children, Jim (Sue) Gow of Union Pier, MI, Judy Landorf (Andy Waller) of Sharon, WI, Joe (Debbie) Gow of Huntley, IL, Lisa Urban of Huntley, IL; 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was a graduate of St. Mel’s High School in Chicago, and Wilbur Wright Junior College in Chicago. He accomplished much in his life. He was the Founder and Charter Grand Knight of the St. Mary Huntley - Knights of Columbus Council. He was a proud American and at the age of 19, desired to serve his country. He was turned down several times by the Air Force because he did not meet their minimum weight requirement. For his third attempt, he placed pieces of lead in his pockets to add to his weight. Knowing when the recruiting office closed, he showed up 5 minutes before closing time hoping the recruiters would be in a hurry to go home for the day. His plan worked and he was in! He was a member of the Illinois Air National Guard, 126th Air Refueling Wing at O’Hare Airport for over 20 years. After selling appliances at Polk Brothers for 20 years, he began driving limousines for H&M Limousine in Dundee, and later started his own limousine company, Country Transportation in Huntley. After retirement, he began working for School District 158, serving in many roles, driving kids to area schools, lunchroom monitor, coaching girls’ basketball and a classroom aid. He also worked for the Huntley Park District. Occasionally on weekends, he could be found volunteering at the Illinois Railway Museum in a streetcar, the kind he rode while growing up in Chicago. He loved trains. George was proud of his Scottish heritage, and once served as President of the Elgin Scottish Society. On Christmas Day, 2021, he became a Scottish Lord, after being gifted 1 square foot of land in Scotland, by 2 of his granddaughters. He was a member of Huntley American Legion Post 673, and for years could be found selling poppies in downtown Huntley on Poppy Day and greeting guests at Vet Fest. George was a great Chicago Cub Fan and waited all his life for the Cubs to win the World Series in 2016. He was an avid marksman and enjoyed all things gun related. In 1976, he took 1st place in an Air National Guard Service Pistol Match at Camp Perry, Ohio. He was a Benefactor Member of the NRA. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, model railroading, fine cocktails and watching Fox News. In recent years, he enjoyed sitting on his front porch waving to all cars and dog walkers, whether he knew them or not. “Geo”, aka “G-Pa” will be greatly missed by his family. He is preceded in death by his parents; his in laws, Edward, and Elizabeth Kolin; and son in law, Dean Landorf. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 24th at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Rd. in Huntley. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 23rd from 2 to 6 PM at James A. O’Connor Funeral Home, 11603 E. Main St. in Huntley with a wake service at 5:45 PM and will continue on Monday at the funeral home from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Memorials in his name may be directed to the St. Mary Knights of Columbus Council #11666, or to the Huntley American Legion.

George j. Gow

April 23, 1935 - July 19, 2023