Gale Graeff

Heaven gained a vibrant and opinionated angel when Gale Graeff left the earth on March 4, 2025. Gale was a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend. She had a big heart and was always thinking of others.

Gale (Vanerio) Graeff was born in Chicago, IL on October 16, 1954 to parents Bud and Grayce Vanerio. She graduated from Bogan High School in Chicago in 1972, and began working in the U.S. District Court Clerk’s Office in Chicago shortly after graduation. She met Don Graeff and they married in 1990. In 1992, Gale was hired for the position of Courtroom Deputy for Magistrate Judge P. Michael Mahoney at the U.S. District Court in Rockford, IL. Gale and Don moved to Elgin, IL where son Gary was born in 1993. After a divorce, Gale and Gary moved to Rockford where Gale continued working until her retirement in 2013. While Gale enjoyed her work at the Courts, Gary was always her first priority. Gale loved Gary deeply and strived to give him the best.

Gale had a big personality and was outgoing and fun. As a result, she made many lifelong friends - from high school, the federal courts, her softball team, and the neighborhood. Later in life, she met Randy Epsy and was grateful for the opportunity to love him. Gale also had a lifelong love of animals, and always had a few dogs and birds in her household.

Gale was preceded in death by her parents, Grayce and Bud Vanerio. She is survived by her son, Gary Graeff; sister, Janis Jasinsky; brothers, Marc (Robin) Vanerio and Matt (Margaret) Vanerio.

Though Gale may be gone from our sight, her laughter, love and caring spirit will live in our hearts forever. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Blackhawk Athletic Club, 2023 Broadway, Rockford, IL 61104 on Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gale Graeff, please visit our floral store.