Some people leave behind memories. Greg left behind a lifetime of friendships, traditions, laughter, and unwavering love for the people fortunate enough to know him. He was the kind of man everyone hoped to have in their corner, fiercely loyal, endlessly dependable, and always willing to lend a hand. Once you became Greg’s friend, you quickly became family.

Born with a curious mind and gifted hands, Greg was taking things apart and putting them back together long before it became his profession. As a young boy, he loved figuring out how things worked, a passion that naturally led him to Wyoming Technical Institute and eventually to a lifelong career as a Chevrolet mechanic. Beginning in 1984, Greg spent his career with General Motors, where his mechanical ability, work ethic, and willingness to help others earned the respect of coworkers and customers alike. For Greg, fixing things wasn’t just a job, it was simply part of who he was.

Greg’s greatest passions were found outdoors and with the people he loved. His love of fishing began in childhood, when his father introduced him and his siblings to the treasured tradition of annual sturgeon fishing trips to Lake Wisconsin. Those early adventures grew into annual fishing trips to Canada, where the stories, laughter, and time together meant just as much as the fishing itself.

Hunting was another tradition Greg cherished. Some of his happiest days were spent on the annual deer hunting trips with the Schippers family and a close-knit group of lifelong friends. His brothers Paul, Andy, and Ryan all shared in those memories. To Greg, those weekends were never just about hunting; they were about lifelong friendships, family, laughter, and the traditions that brought everyone together year after year. The stories told around camp and the memories made during those trips became part of the fabric of his life.

Greg loved being surrounded by family and friends, and if there was a grill nearby, there was a good chance you’d find him behind it. He genuinely enjoyed cooking for the people he cared about, sharing a meal, telling stories, and laughing together. Whether cheering on his beloved Chicago Bears or spending time with those closest to him, his infectious laugh, so much like his father’s, could brighten a room, and his soft, gentle heart put everyone at ease. Greg had a remarkable way of making people feel welcome, and time spent with him always felt like time well spent.

Greg’s circle of friends was large, but they were never simply friends; they became family. He was fiercely loyal and always had your back. His kindness, generosity, and quiet strength touched countless lives and created friendships that endured for decades.

Family was the foundation of Greg’s life. He adored both of his parents and carried a deep admiration for his father throughout his life, keeping his father’s photograph close as a daily reminder of the man who had shaped him. He also shared a special bond with his mother, Jeannine, and was devoted to helping care for her in every way he could. Whether she needed a repair, a ride, or simply someone beside her, Greg was there without hesitation. Loving and caring for the people closest to him wasn’t something he felt obligated to do, it was simply who he was.

Greg was blessed with two children, Kyle and Katie, whom he shared with his former wife, Susan Risinger. As they grew up, they shared countless memories with their cousins at Gaga’s house, where family gatherings were filled with laughter, conversation, and traditions that became part of their childhood. Family poker and card nights became a cherished tradition, bringing generations together around the table and creating memories that would be shared for years to come.

As the years passed, Kyle and Katie built lives and families of their own, adding new chapters to the Risinger family story. When Avery came along, Greg embraced the role of Grandpa with genuine happiness. Although Avery lived in another state and their time together was limited, he treasured every visit, every hug, and every opportunity to watch his granddaughter grow. Those moments were never taken for granted.

Greg was preceded in death by his beloved father, Charles Richard Risinger, and his cousin and lifelong friend, Tim Norum. More than cousins, Greg and Tim were like brothers. Tim helped Greg begin his career with General Motors in 1984, and the two shared a friendship built on loyalty, laughter, and countless memories throughout their lives.

He is lovingly survived by his mother, Jeannine Anne Risinger; his son, Kyle Risinger; his daughter, Katie Graff and her husband, Ben; his cherished granddaughter, Avery; his siblings, Mona and her husband, Fritz; Rita and her husband, Sig; Paul and his wife, Lorena; Ryan and his wife, Pari; and Andy and his wife, Colleen. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a special circle of lifelong friends who became family.

Those who knew and loved Greg find comfort in imagining him reunited with his father, his cousin Tim, and the many family members and loved ones who went before him. It’s easy to picture them together again sharing a cold beer, swapping stories, laughing, and watching over the family and friends they loved so dearly.

Greg’s life was measured not by possessions or accomplishments, but by the relationships he built, the traditions he carried on, the loyalty he showed, and the love he gave so freely.

As long as stories are shared over a cold beer at the neighborhood bar, fish are caught on quiet mornings, laughter echoes through deer camp, and family and friends gather around a grill, a part of Greg will be present with us.

Please join us in remembering Greg at his Wake and Funeral services. Visitation to be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030, Monday, August 10, 4 – 8:00pm. Funeral Services to be held at St. Gilbert’s Church, 301 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030, Tuesday, August 11, 10:00am.

For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.