Gary L. Daniel

Gary L. Daniel died unexpectedly on November 14, 2015, in Rockford, IL. He was 65 years old.
Gary was born on June 26, 1950, in Walnut Ridge, AR, to his parents, J.W. and Tommie (Kissee) Daniel. The family moved to Rockford when he was a young child, where he attended Rockford schools and graduated from East High School. He spent the majority of his career in the auto collision repair industry. He married the love of his life, Tracy (Garkey) Kampmeier, on October 27, 1990 and took on the role of stepfather to her young son, Joshua M. Kampmeier. Gary, Tracy, and Josh lived in Rockford and spent many weekends and vacations at their second home in Green Lake, WI, where Gary enjoyed years of boating and fishing, his favorite hobby. He also enjoyed spending time and laughing with his grandchildren.
Gary was a long-time friend of Bill W. and an active member of the AA community, where he touched many lives, developing close friendships along his journey through sharing his experience, strength, and hope with others.
Gary is survived by his wife, Tracy; stepson and daughter-in-law, Josh and Michelle Kampmeier of Surprise, AZ; father-in-law, Robert Garkey of Montello, WI; stepmother, Barbara Daniel of Rockford; sister, Joann Ator of Lakewood, CO; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Todd and Michele Haas of Rockton, IL; brother-in-law, Gregory Garkey of Green Lake, WI; grandchildren, Destiny, Ambriel, Brennan and their mother, Trisha Phillips of Freeport, IL; nephews, Daniel (Jennie) Ator of Littleton, CO, Eric Haas of Macomb, IL, and Alex Haas of Tampa, FL; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, J.W. Daniel; mother, Tommie Burrus; mother-in-law, Nancy Garkey; and brother-in-law, Ronald Ator.
Services will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home (Riverside Chapel) on Sunday, November 22, 2015. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with service at 3:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gary’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.