Ronald (Gus) Edward Gapinske died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at the age of 87. Those 87 years were filled with family, golfing, fishing, traveling, classic cars, love, laughs, friends and a successful business career. He loved his and his family’s dogs. They were a large and important part of his life.
Gus was born at home on November 16, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Mabel Gapinske and brother, August Paul Gapinske.
His family moved from Chicago to DeKalb, Illinois as a young child. Gus graduated from DeKalb High School in 1953. He played on his high school football team and spent time playing semi-professional football.
Gus started his career as a truck parts chaser at Waddell Truck Center, Rockford, Illinois in 1956. He worked very hard building the company over 43 years and became the primary owner of the nation-wide truck sales and leasing corporation; Northern NationaLease Truck Transerv Inc. and Northern Carriers, Inc. He was the primary stockholder when the successful company was sold to Ryder Trucks in 1998. During this time he was the president of two national organizations: Washington DC based Truck Rental and Leasing Association and Chicago based NationaLease Association of independent truck leasing companies in the United States and Canada.
Gus met the love of his life, Joyce Lucille Jones when they were freshmen in high school. Gus and Joyce married on July 18, 1954 in DeKalb, Illinois. They had a loving and successful marriage of 68 years. Gus and Joyce made Rockford, Illinois their home until retirement in 1998.
Gus is survived by his wife, Joyce of Englewood, FL and children, Debra (Patrick) French of Englewood, FL and Susan (Donald) Carter of Loves Park, IL, his grandchildren, Alex (Christina) Carter of Byron, IL and Ronald “Gusser” (Krystle) Carter of Rockford, IL. He was blessed with four great-grandchildren; Weston, Rilla, Gus and Lily Carter. He is survived by his nephews Thomas (Sally) Gapinske of Lino, MN and Scott (Monika) Gapinske of Largo, FL. Gus’s family meant everything to him. He was generous in sharing his time and resources with his family. He is also survived by his adorable Shih Tzu and best furry friend, KeKe. Gus also had many, many friends he cared about and loved dearly.
Upon retirement, Gus and Joyce made Placida Harbour Club, Placida, FL and then Boca Royale Golf and Country Club, Englewood FL their home. Gus and Joyce were members of Gulf Cove United Methodist Church (GCUMC) and Englewood United Methodist Church (EUMC) serving on the board of directors, financing a playground at Gulf Cove United Methodist Church and supporting the Foundation School of Englewood United Methodist Church.
A memorial service will be held January 15, 2023 at 2PM in the Englewood United Methodist Church Chapel, 700 East Dearborn Street Englewood Florida followed by a late lunch reception in the Church Fellowship Hall. Please bring your favorite stories and memories to share. If attending the lunch, please let his daughter, Debbie know at [email protected] or 941 716 4581.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to The Foundation School of Englewood United Methodist Church 700 East Dearborn, Englewood, FL. 34223 or Boca Cares (supporting local charities) Boca Royale Golf and Country Club, ATTN Barbara Zink, 1601 Englewood Road Englewood, FL or
bocaroyalecares.com - Donate Now - Enter information as directed.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lemonbayfh.com for the Gapinske family.
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