Dr. Gregg L. Painter

Dr. Gregg L Painter, 77, died October 31 at Midwest Senior Care Community, Galena. He managed the challenges of Lewy Body Dementia for 8 years with grace and courage. Gregg was born in Ottawa, IL, on January 8, 1948, to Fred and Dorothy (Knutstrom) Painter. The youngest of three boys, his world was filled with riding bikes, helping his neighbors, hiking outdoors, exploring woods, and creeks. He was endlessly curious and attentive to details. His family moved to Urbana, IL, and there he met Emily; they were married on September 6, 1969. Gregg graduated from Urbana HS, attended the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and graduated in 1972 with a DDS degree from the U of I dental school, Chicago. Along the way, he worked for a moving company, delivered Coca-Cola, sorted mail at the post office, and milked cows at the university farms. He loved all his jobs and enjoyed the people he met. In 1972, he and Emily rolled their U-Haul into Galena, and Gregg set up practice above Clingman’s Pharmacy on Main St. He practiced dentistry for 46 years, delighting in knowing his patients, making notes on their charts about their families, hobbies, and travel as well as their teeth. He was respected and appreciated for being incredibly gentle and patient. Galena was the perfect place for Gregg’s love of antiques, history, and the outdoors. He became an avid cross-country skier, and a fast one, competing in the American Birkebeiner race for years. He is remembered by family and friends for his positive outlook on life and for always seeing the best in everyone. He was kind and thoughtful and never lost the ability to notice and rejoice in the natural world around him. Gregg especially loved birds, recognizing their calls and leading birding tours to excite others about birding. He and Emily were enthusiastic travelers, visiting every continent. He adored his family, treasured his friends, appreciated his wonderful staff, and celebrated life in so many ways. He is survived by his wife, Emily, daughters Elizabeth (Aaron Fields) and Anna (Michael Donohoe), grandchildren Alice, Elliotte, and Connor, his brother Roger, and a host of dearly loved family members, friends, and grateful dental patients. In retirement, Gregg was proud of the stewardship work he and other JDCF volunteers did at Gateway Park and Horseshoe Mound. He equally valued the camaraderie and friendships he developed through this work. Memorials in Gregg’s name may be made to the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation. A celebration of Gregg’s life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, Galena. Furlong Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.