Grantland "Gabby" Bleeker

Gabby was a 1950 graduate of Calumet High School. He worked as a cement finisher for 42 years through the Cement Masons Local 502. He was one of the originators of the fuel altered class in drag racing, being known as one of the toughest Midwest fuel altered racers of the 1960s. He was honored at the 2008 Holley National Hot Rod Reunion and was awarded drag racing’s most prestigious trophy, the Wally. Aside from his racing career, Gabby was a die-hard Chicago White Sox, Bears, and Blackhawks fan. He also loved spending his time up north in Presque Isle, Wisconsin at “The Shack.”

Survived by his daughters, Beth (Gary) Turek and Jennifer (Mitch) Mauck; his sister, Marilyn (the late Leroy) Crettol; long-time partner, Diane Coleman; her children, Don (Patricia) Coleman and Lisa (Jack) Wagner; his grandsons, Andy Turek and Gage Mauck; his granddaughters, Sara Mauck, Hanna Mauck, and Lily Mauck; and Diane’s grandchildren. Along with many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Dorothy Bleeker; his brother, Martin Bleeker; and his sister, Dorothea (Kenneth) Kohr.

A visitation for Grantland will be held Friday, August 5, 2022 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Andrew J. McGann & Son Funeral Home, 10727 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60655. A chapel funeral service will be held Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 9:30am at Andrew J. McGann and Son Funeral Home. Interment to follow Fairmont Willow Springs Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andrewmcgann.com for the Bleeker family.