Gail J. Rockenbach Vitols

Obituary's Biography:

GAIL JO ROCKENBACH VITOLS – AUGUST 26, 1952 – OCTOBER 23, 2024

Gail Vitols passed into eternity peacefully on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 in the presence of loved ones. She is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, John, her brother Gregg Rockenbach (Marlene), her mother-in-law Aida Vitols, her uncle Mark Winters (Helen), her nieces and nephews, Stepanie Ponce (Bradley), Erik Vitols (Nicole), Vanessa McCormack (Patrick), Rebecca D’Andrea (Pat), John Vitols (Dana), Kevin Vitols (Meghan), as well as by her sister-in-law Linda Vitols, and her Brother in Law Arnie Vitols (Laura). She is also survived by 15 great nieces and nephews, all of whom adored her.

Gail grew up in the quintessential small American town of Grayslake, IL. She graduated from Grayslake High School with honors in 1970, and went on to earn her Bachelors Degree in Theatre from Nebraska Wesleyan College in 1974. Upon graduation from college, she worked for a major ocean shipping company, where she climbed the ranks and earned astute accolades, including a US Customs House License. It was in this position that she met her husband and soul mate, John. He proposed to her on October 25, 1974. They married in a beautiful outdoor wedding on May 17, 1975, and spent nearly 50 years hand-in-hand loving the life they built together.

In 1995, Gail partnered with her dad, Doug, to own and operate Rockenbach Chevrolet. Under Gail’s leadership, the dealership experienced incredible success, including the prestigious award of GM Dealership of The Year five separate times, in addition to being the top selling Chevy dealership in Illinois for 10 years. Most importantly, Gail loved her employees and always had time to speak to them about anything. While at Rockenbach, Gail supported many major charities as well as many sponsorships of Grayslake and Round Lake sports teams.

Gail loved to travel and enjoyed many trips with her husband, John. Together they explored Europe, Canada, Singapore, Hawaii and beyond. Some of her favorite trips include the Sydney Olympics and Super Bowl. Hilton Head was a place near and dear to Gail’s heart. She and John would walk on the beach for hours every day, enjoying the beauty around them.

Gail inspired everyone she encountered with her gentle, loving, and compassionate personality. She was an excellent chef, always crafting unique recipes that everyone loved.

Gail never missed a birthday or anniversary. Her family always received timely reminders each year just how much she loved them by her thoughtful gifts and cards. One of her greatest joys was gift-giving, and seeing the kids open all their gifts at Christmas brought her immense joy.

That’s the thing about Gail…she knew how to make every person in the room feel special. Her gifts were not ordinary, instead they were thoughtful, personal and a reminder of just how special you were to her.

Gail was resilient, intelligent and loyal. But most of all, she was impactful. She left this world a better place than she found it by the lives she touched.  Our Dearest Gail was a once-in-a-lifetime aunt, sister, and friend.  She was the kind of person most of us aspire to be. Her legacy will live on through the people she touched, the traditions she created, and most importantly, her family that loved her more than words.  

She was preceded into death by her parents, Doug and Bonnie Rockenbach, her brother Gary Rockenbach, and uncle, Gerald Winters.

Gail leaves behind a bounty of beautiful memories. May her memory continue to inspire and uplift all her loved ones as we navigate this world without her.  There will be a private service for our lovey girl. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to World Vision, or Grayslake Historical Society.

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