, Illinois
Merlin R. Payne 92 of Rockford IL passed away on May 16th 2026. He was born on June 16th 1933 in Neillsville WI to Wesley and Verna Payne. Cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
, Illinois
Gary William Gyllenswan 86 of Rockford Illinois passed away peacefully in his home on May 15 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. Born on March 4 1940 in Rockford Gary was the son of William and Margaret Gyllenswan and spent his entire life in the community he proudly called home. Gary graduated from Rockford East High School before serving his country in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. On June 24 1961 he married the love of his life Marjorie Marge Newkirk at Trinity Lutheran Church. Together they shared nearly 64 wonderful years of marriage building a life centered around family hard work laughter and unwavering love. Marge preceded him in death on March 26 2025. Gary was known throughout the Rockford area for his strong work ethic mechanical talent and ability to fix just about anything. He owned and operated Rockford Auto Body for many years later…
, Illinois
May 14, 2026
Fredrick Paul Lerch 75 of Rockford Illinois passed away on May 15 2026. He was born on October 22 1950 in Rockford Illinois. Fredrick worked as a tile layer for Northern Illinois Terrazzo where he developed his skills over the years and later worked at Speedy Courier Services. He will be remembered for his stubbornness his sweet tooth his love of race carswhich he proudly passed down to his childrenand for the simple joys he found in life trying his luck with lottery tickets and spoiling his grandchildren with Cosmic Brownies and a little extra cash. He also shared a love of movies with his children who remember countless trips to the drivein movie theaters and watching films and shows together at home. He was also a fan of the Green Bay Packers. One of his favorite pastimes was placing friendly bets on Packers games with his family which he…
, Illinois
On Wednesday May 6 2026 John E. Peterson aka Pete Petie Peterson unexpectedly transitioned from this earth to eternity. John was a Christian who placed his faith and hope in Christ Jesus as his Lord and Savior. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is more alive today than ever before. Born on October 13 1962 in Rockford to Donald A. and Carol N. Peterson John grew up as a hardworking farm boy. He was married to Stacie J. King for 32 years and together they built a life around family and faith. John spent most of his adult life in the paper industry beginning his career with Alpine Paper Butler Georgia Pacific and Unisource in sales roles and concluding at Midland Paper where he served as General Manager for nearly 20 years. He was widely respected wellliked and deeply knowledgeable about the paper business. He loved the paper…
, Illinois
Roger Dale Raines known by family and friends as Papa Roger died a peaceful death surrounded by loved ones on May 14th 2026 in Loves Park IL. Born as one of eight siblings in Nashville Tennessee on September 4th 1950 Roger was a beacon of kindness humor faithfulness and love. Dedicating his life to the Lord and serving those around him Roger was a shining example of Christ to all who knew him. Roger is survived by his beloved wife of nearly fiftysix years Sharon Raines brother James Ann Raines brother Mark Scotty Raines sister Carolyn Marty Brooks son Michael Allison Raines daughter Rebecca Gary VenRooy and a multitude of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren to all of whom he provided endless smiles laughs and cherished memories. Roger was a devout minister for twenty years served the Deaf community as an ASL interpreter for fortyfive years and was an exemplary member in…
, Illinois
Roger Ebert 74 of Roscoe Illinois passed away on Thursday May 7 2026 after a lengthy illness. Growing up on a farm instilled in Roger a strong work ethic andan appreciation of the natural beauty of northern Illinois. After highschool he pursued a career in floral arrangement and went on toachieve recognition for both his design and teaching abilities.Roger traveled to the far corners of the world sharing the art offloral arranging along with his knowledge of techniques. He wouldspeak of those trips fondly and considered his time spent teachingto be one of his most satisfying accomplishments. Managing busy flower shops in the suburbs of Chicago was nextfor Roger then family matters brought him to Roscoewhere he looked after his mother and worked for many years inthe flower shop at Crimson Ridge in Rockford.Roger produced the most spectacular arrangements withconsistency and finesse. Its not surprising that customers wouldbecome regulars that…
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