Gregory P. Gdowski

Gregory Paul Gdowski, 77, of Des Plaines, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Greg was born on October 9, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph and Klara (nee Gosciniak) Gdowski. He graduated from Prosser Vocational High School in 1966 and, following graduation, proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as an aviation mechanic while stationed in Monterey, California. After returning home from military service, Greg married his high school sweetheart, Susan, on October 23, 1971. Having dated for six years, they began a marriage built on love, friendship, dedication, and unwavering support that would span more than five decades. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on family, faith, and countless cherished memories. After his military service, Greg built a successful career as a Chief Engineer for printing companies AP&L, Sleepeck Printing, Graphic Converting, and NTN.

To know Greg was to know kindness, loyalty, and generosity. With his constant smile he had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome, treating friends like family and always offering a helping hand. Whether sharing his knowledge, fixing something that seemed impossible to repair, or simply listening, Greg was the person people turned to when they needed help.

Above all else, Greg cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and an adoring grandfather. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with those he loved. He rarely missed a game, recital, performance, or special event, and he was always his children's and grandchildren's biggest supporter and loudest fan.

Beyond family, Greg's heart belonged to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the family farm he loved so dearly. He found peace walking the trails, riding through the woods, and hunting with lifelong friends. For more than 50 years, hunting season was one of his greatest passions, and he looked forward to November 15th all year long.

Greg was deeply involved in his community and dedicated countless hours to the activities that enriched his family's lives. He coached his son's baseball teams and his daughter's softball teams through Waycinden for more than 15 years. He was also an active member of Boy Scout Troop 160, serving as Scoutmaster committee member for over 20 years and helping shape the lives of many young men through leadership, mentorship, and service. At the ripe age of 53 Greg graduated from the Suburban Lawn Enforcement Academy and continued serving the City of Des Plaines as a Reserve Police Officer.

As a proud Navy veteran, Greg was a member of the American Legion Post 43 in Stephenson, Michigan. He considered it a privilege to walk alongside fellow veterans during the annual Memorial Day Mid County ceremony cemetery tours. He was honored to walk for all who served and sacrificed for our country. Greg was also a member of the NRA, Elks, Moose and Elk Grove High School Booster Club.

Greg is survived by his beloved wife, Susan (nee Chance) Gdowski; his son, Bradley (Nicole); and his cherished granddaughters, Cailynn and Emma. He is also survived by his daughter, Alison (Timothy) Doherty, along with their children, Charles and Eleanore.

He is further survived by his sisters, Valerie Remmert and Paula (James) Hays; and brother in law Robert (Gloria) Chance; and by his nieces and nephews, Jason (Jen) Hays, Matt (Heather) Hays, Joshua (Sarah) Hays, and Joseph (Lyndsay)Hays.

He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Klara (Gosciniak) Gdowski; In-laws George and Eleanore Chance; and brother in law Robert Remmert.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 17th from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. A memorial Mass will be held Saturday, July 18th, at 11:00 am at Saint Zachary Parish, 567 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Greg’s name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Greg's legacy is one of love, service, friendship, and unwavering dedication to family. The lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the lives he touched will continue to live on in all who knew him.

For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.