Gayle Dian Rees

Gayle Dian Rees “Honey”, 69, of Walworth, formerly of Harvard, passed away the morning of January 27th, 2025 at her home in Walworth, WI surrounded by loved ones.

Gayle was born on November 3rd, 1955, to Clarence and Jean (Olson) Johnson in La Crosse, WI.  She enjoyed reading, camping, gardening, painting, rock collecting, cookouts, campfires, crafting, cutting hair, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoyed music, and in her younger years, singing, dancing and playing her guitar.

Throughout her life, Gayle had many roles. She was a dental assistant, forklift operator, assembly line worker, cook, bartender, waitress, retail clerk, florist, aesthetician, beautician, hairdresser, and more. Most importantly, she was a Mom. No stranger to hard work, Gayle sometimes held as many as 3 jobs simultaneously to provide for her sons, while still finding the time to create memories with them. Eventually this role transitioned to include Grandmother, who her grandchildren adored and affectionately referred to as “Honey”.

Gayle is survived by her sons CJ (Pattie) Knight of Gratiot, WI and Andy (Laura Szymanski) Knight of Walworth, WI, grandchildren Andrew, Vylett, Donovan, Joseph, Aubrey, Wolfric, and Freya, and siblings Carol (Tom) Jones of Wheat Ridge, CO, Linda Pruessing of Arena, WI, Rick (Sue) Johnson of Fowlerville, MI, and Anita Burton of Harvard and several nieces, nephews and their families who she loved completely.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Jean, and sister Debra Johnson.

There will be a memorial gathering from 4PM – 7PM on Friday, February 7th with a time of remembrance at 7PM at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL 60033. 

Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home for more information at 815-943-5400.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.