Garry S Vujanov

Princeton - Garry S. Vujanov, 74, affectionately known as "Coach" or "Cubby," followed the Yellow Brick Road on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the McLean County Nursing Home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 2, 1950, in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, to the late Steven and Pauline (Lischak) Vujanov. Garry earned his Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Miami in 1972. He married Susan Nelson in 1975 in Sheffield, IL, together they had two children, Nicholas and Sarah. They later divorced in 2007, he coupled with Diane Troehler in 2017 until his passing. He dedicated his career to various roles, working at the Allen Lumber Company, Lowe's, RP Lumber, and Jolt. His true passion, however, was coaching football. He mentored athletes from Tiskilwa High School, Princeton High School, Kewanee High School, Savannah State University, Peoria Pirates, and Eureka College. Beyond his love for coaching, Garry enjoyed cooking, something he found relaxing and loved having everyone around, talking over a good meal and a stiff drink. He was quite the grill master, and if it could be cooked outdoors, that's where you would find him. He enjoyed antiquing and finding old treasures as well as looking at items from the past. Garry was quite the horticulturist. You could find him outside landscaping and planting flowers while listening to his favorite music. He had a love for reading and never stopped learning or expanding his mind. His love of football, was something he was born with, he loved teaching others as well as making lasting friendships along the way and when he was no longer able to do that, he watched it. Above all, it was time spent with his family and friends that brought him the most joy. He had a fascination with The Wizard of Oz, from the book to the movie. He could spew quotes and lines. He identified with the Cowardly Lion-a gentle giant who ultimately found his courage. Garry is survived by his children, son Nicholas (Gina) Vujanov of Princeton, IL, and daughter Sarah Vujanov of Peoria, IL; his grandchildren, Natalie Vujanov, Anthony Vujanov, and Isaiah Beckum; sisters, Wendy Scrimgeor and Rebecca Vujanov. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Pauline Vujanov, and his former wife, Susan Vujanov-Nelson. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments, in Princeton, IL. A private burial will take place at a later date. THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for charitable distribution. Online condolences may be shared at www.norbergfh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Garry S Vujanov

December 2, 1950 - February 14, 2025