Gary J. Aavang, 61

Born: Dec. 16, 1956
Died: Nov. 22, 2018
Gary J. Aavang, 61, of Greenwood, passed away at home on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, of cancer.
He was a life-long resident of Greenwood Township, born in Woodstock on Dec. 16, 1956, the son of Rodney and Libbie (Barber) Aavang. He graduated from Woodstock High School in 1975 and attended McHenry County College. He married Michele DeYoung on July 27, 1998, in Woodstock.
He was a longtime member of McHenry County Farm Bureau and McHenry County Fair Association, serving on the boards of directors for both organizations at different times. He was a proud past member and current supporter of both the 4-H and FFA organizations. He was passionate about agriculture – it was “all ag, all the time” with Gary. His farmer friends referred to him as the “Secretary of Agriculture.”
He is survived by his wife, Michele Aavang; stepson Grant DeYoung (Kate Quinn); his mother, Libbie Aavang; siblings Dan (the late Cathy) Aavang, Sarah (Robert Lukes) Aavang, John Aavang, and JoAnn (David) Lohse; his aunt, Ann (Barber) Balakier; his nieces and nephews, Rachel (Vassil Antonov) Aavang, Deanne Aavang, Jessie (Wei Nan) Lin, Brandon (Julie) Lohse, Josh (Anna) Lohse, Hannah (Chris McKee Jr.) Lohse, Alyssa (Kevin) Paschke, Morgan (Daniel) Hayes; many cousins; and his beloved dog, Bert.
He was preceded in death by his father, Rodney.
An open house for family and friends in celebration of his life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the McHenry County Farm Bureau Foundation (to support the Ag In The Classroom program), P.O. Box 1530, Woodstock, IL 60098 (www.mchenrycfb.org).
For information, contact the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815-338-1710, or visit www.slmcfh.com.