Gail Kay Haug

Gail Kay (Evans) Haug lived up to her name as a true force of nature. She died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December, 3, 2025 from a stroke. She was 81.

Gail will be deeply missed by her surviving family: her devoted and adoring husband of 62 years, Elmer "Tom" Haug Sr., her son, Elmer "Tom" (Lauren Walsh) Haug Jr., her daughter, Mary (Stephen) Likins, and her son, Michael Haug. She is survived by her many grandchildren: Emily (Adam) Likins-Ehlers, Alec (Nickie) Kinsey, and Garett (Theresa) Haug, Michael Haug Jr., John Haug, Stephen Likins Jr., Cora Likins, Lucas (Hailey) Haug, Patrick Haug, Taylor (Josh) Dailey, Hailey Ray, and Scott Ray Jr.; and her great-grandchildren: Leo Likins-Ehlers, Valorie Likins-Ehlers, Leighton Dailey, Waylon Dailey, Auden Daily, and Indie Kinsey. Gail is also survived by her brother Joseph (Jacquelyn) Evans, her sister Glenda (Wayne) Kuta, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Glen Evans, her mother, Fern Day (Edward) Gryga, her sister, Geraldine Cieslukowski, and her brother, Bernard (Jacqueline) Evans.

Gail was born in 1944, the second of five children. She graduated from Bremen High School in 1962. Gail and Elmer were married in 1964 after they met while working together at Cavallini's in Midlothian. During their long marriage they raised three lovely children in Midlothian and Mokena. Together, Ma and Pa built a tight-knit family of educators, entrepreneurs, home-makers, caretakers, and craftsmen.

Gail was a devoted big-sister, wife, and mother. Gail mothered all the children she encountered. As a Girl Scout Troop Leader and Room Mom, Gail influenced many young women who carry on her spunky legacy today. Gail always had the best snacks for nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and neighbor-kids. Gail built a welcoming and warm home where people felt safe and cared-for. Her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren fondly remember sleepovers fueled by fudge pops and butter pecan ice cream.

Gail enjoyed spending summers relaxing and boating at the cabin on Castle Rock Lake in Adams County, Wisconsin where she taught grandchildren to play poker and always had a big bowl of macaroni salad ready for hungry beach-goers. She loved camping with her children, driving around to look for wildlife, putting birdseed and fresh flowers on her deck, and being outdoors with her beloved travel companion, Elmer. Together, she and Elmer traveled extensively around the American West and the Great Lakes region, inspiring a deep appreciation of the outdoors in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

As a real estate agent, Gail helped countless families find the perfect home. Until the end of her life, Gail joyfully resided in the house where she raised her family and hosted every holiday -- built by her husband in Mokena, Illinois.

In retirement, Gail and Elmer enjoyed one another's company as they traveled and spent as much time as they could manage catching a beautiful lake view with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Gail was loved by everyone who met her-- endlessly funny and sharp-witted, Gail was an excellent listener and had a special way of making people feel understood and important when she spoke with them. She loved an interesting conversation, a satisfying meal, and being with her loved ones. She was an avid fan of the View and she kept up with the trends on TikTok. Gail cared deeply and well for everyone, celebrating the successes of others enthusiastically. Her love encouraged us to work hard and make her proud.

Gail will be deeply missed by those who knew her, and her memory is a blessing to us all.

Visitation, Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until time of Chapel Service at 7:00 p.m. at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 19604 S. Wolf Rd. Mokena, IL 60448. Interment will be Private. For more information (708) 479-1210 or www.vandenbergfuneralhome.com