Gregory Nelson Gumbel, age 39, of Louisville, IL, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
Greg was the oldest son of David Wayne Gumbel and Tammy Lynn (Oldham) Straeter born on March 18, 1985, in Olney Illinois. He attended grade, middle and high school in Clay City, IL. He moved to Flora, IL in 2002 and graduated from Flora High School in 2004. Greg went on to attend the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) in Phoenix, AZ and graduated in 2007.
Greg married Emily Ann Waddell on October 24, 2015. Together they bought a home in Louisville, IL. Greg was a devoted husband and father to his wife and two young children. His kids were his world and brought him much joy. He was a huge part in many people’s lives. He was the type of guy that never met a stranger and had a laugh that was unforgettable. The amount of lives that he touched was immeasurable. As a jack of all trades, he could do anything he put his mind to.
Greg worked at North American Lighting (NAL) for 10 years before leaving in 2023 to start work for the Labors Local 1197 Union. In the spring of 2024, he was accepted and in-training to be an operator for the Operating Engineers Local 841.
Greg enjoyed anything with an engine, whether it was racecars, ATV’s or trucks, but his special interest was motorcycles. He loved working on them and riding them. If the weather permitted, it was hard not to find him traveling on something with handle bars. Greg found his love of car racing from watching his dad race when he was a child. Greg started racing street stock in 2013 and progressed into A-Mod. He raced at many local tracks around the area. Greg had his own shop where he worked on motorcycles, four wheelers, side by sides and race cars for himself and others. He was also an avid outdoorsman and hunter who spent most of the fall season in the woods when not at work. Greg also enjoyed processing meat whether it was wild game or domestic livestock.
Greg was elected to the position of First Vice President of the Sons of the American Legion. He was the Director for Post 14 of the American Legion Riders. In the legion, all riders have road names and he was known to his fellow riders by the road name of “Crazy”. He was extremely active in the Legion Riders. He planned many fundraisers and benefit rides for members of the community and veterans. The money he helped raise helped countless veterans and families.
Survivors include wife, Emily Gumbel; daughter, Neveah Gumbel; son, Axle Gumbel; foreign exchange daughter, Mette Marlene Tobaben of Ahlerstedt, Niedersachen, Germany; father, David Gumbel of Clay City, IL; mother Tammy Straeter (husband Bill) of Breese, IL; in-laws, Rocky and Tracy Waddell of Newburgh, IN; brother, Matt Gumbel (wife Jennifer) of Elizabeth, IN; sister, Heather Cooley (husband Jake) of Pocahontas, IL; brothers-in-law, Todd Waddell of Chandler, IN and Craig Waddell (wife Jayme) of Newburgh, IN; maternal grandfather John Oldham (wife Betty) of Louisville, IL; nieces and nephews, Ryder Waddell, Madelyn Gumbel, Khloe Gumbel, Jackson Cooley, Halle Cooley, Cole Waddell and Mckinley Waddell.
Preceding him in death were his paternal grandparents, Robert and Mary Gumbel of Sailor Springs, IL; and maternal grandmother, Judy (Strecker) Jepsen of Louisville, IL.
Funeral arrangements for Greg Gumbel are in the care of Frank and Bright Funeral Home, 500 N. Main St. in Flora, Illinois. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 1 p.m., at the funeral home with burial following in Smith Cemetery in Sailor Springs, IL. Visitation will be Monday, May 6, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Riders Post 14 or Greg’s wife and children. These will be accepted at the funeral home during services or can be mailed to the Frank & Bright Funeral Home at 500 N Main St, Flora, IL 62839.
The family’s preferred choice for those wishing to send flowers and gifts is the Mustard Seed in Louisville, IL. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
