Gary Floyd Alt

Gary Floyd Alt, 72, of Poplar Grove, IL died on January 3, 2026 at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford, IL surrounded by loved ones. He was born on July 31, 1953 in Harvard, IL to Floyd & Viola (Voss) Alt. Gary graduated from Harvard High School in 1971. He married Valerie Malecha on November 12, 1976 in Harvard, IL. Gary worked for 26 years repairing TVs and appliances. He then attended school at Rock Valley College where he received his A.A.S. in Information Technology, graduating with high honors. He worked for the Rockford School District for 15 years within the information technology department and retired in 2016. During his ‘retirement’, Gary worked for Hamblock Ford driving cars between dealerships to stay busy.

Gary had many hobbies and interests. He was a trainer at Forest City Dog Club. He entered his beloved labs, Sadie and Bentley, in AKC and UKC Rally and Agility competitions. He trained them to be comfort dogs who visited OSF to see patients for about 8 years. During his life, Gary was very involved in the Moose Lodge, first in Harvard and later in Belvidere. He earned the Pilgrim Degree of Merit (the highest degree in the Moose), served in all the officer positions at the Harvard Lodge, and served on the IL Moose Association State Board of Directors. Gary was very involved in the Ritual Staff, attending many international competitions, and he won a prestigious award as a State Star Ritualist. He also coached Jr. Tackle Football in Harvard. Gary was very involved in his son’s extracurricular activities. Gary coached Jeremy’s little league team in Poplar Grove. He volunteered within the Cub Scouts organization. He also served as a Scout Master for Boy Scouts. Gary was an avid card player and loved a good casino trip. Most of all, he loved his grandchildren and supported their interests. He spent much of his free time sitting on the sidelines of softball, baseball, and basketball games in addition to attending art fairs and piano recitals.

He will be loved and missed by: his wife, Valerie Alt; son, Jeremy (Kristin) Alt; grandchildren, Charlotte & Elliott; sisters, Bonnie Russ & Brenda (Buck) Buchanan; brother, Robert Peterson; mother-in-law, Peggy Malecha; father-in-law, Al Malecha; sisters-in-law, Susan (Randy) Vermett,  Diane (Tom) Malecha-Urban, & Leanne Malecha; brother-in-law, Robert (LaChelle) Malecha; close cousin, Ron Cutts & other cousins; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great grandnieces, and great grandnephews.  Preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Patricia (Peterson) Alt; sisters, Carol (Dave) Lieb & Linda Burnett.  The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Javon Bea Hospital for the compassion shown to Gary.

There will be a memorial service at noon on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Belvidere Funeral Home, 203 Logan Avenue, Belvidere, IL with a memorial visitation from 10am-noon, prior to the service.  Private burial at a later date at McHenry County Memorial Park in Woodstock, IL.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the family for a future memorial in Gary’s name.