Gary Lee Townsend , aka Hotdog, age 79, of Pearl City, IL passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at OSF St. Anthony Hospital in Rockford, IL. He was born in Stockton, IL on August 18, 1944 to the late James and Verneil (Bohnsack) Townsend. Gary married Betty Myers on October 24, 1964 and together they had four children.

Gary could often be found in his shop fixing up old cars. He could build and fix anything, including turning the back end up of an old car into a sofa. Gary knew someone everywhere he went and loved to chat. He also enjoyed flying remote control airplanes and helicopters.

He is survived by his daughter, Jodi (Rob) Nieman of Pearl City; his sons, Tim Townsend of Pearl City, Daniel (Tracy) Townsend of Pearl City and Jason (Terri) Townsend of Mt. Carroll; his grandchildren, Nikki (Andy) Nolan, Kyle (Shelby) Nieman, Courtney Tucker, Seth Townsend and Keaton Townsend; and his 7 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, George, Robert and Edward.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Townsend Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established.