Delbert H. "Bud' Rossier

Everyone knew him as Bud. Easy going, loved and adored by everyone who met him. At 85, on September 9, 2014, he died peacefully at home after battling cancer.

He was born to Louis and Hilda (Lemmer) Rossier on November 20, 1928, in Rockford, IL. He went to West High School, and later attended Carthage College. He was a U.S. Army veteran, after which he returned to Rockford to serve the community as a firefighter on the Rockford Fire Department for 35 years.

In 1954, he married Barbara Smith, who predeceased him in 2009. He took great pride in his family: son Mick Rossier, daughter Valli Williams, and grandchildren Adam, Amy (Mike) Childs, Todd, Krystin and Jennifer. Amy added great grandchildren Dominic, Keira, Luka, Cora, Elaina and granddog Jett.

He was an avid sports fan, enjoying everything from the Bears, a Sunday race, grandchildren's sporting events, to cheering on local Harlem soccer player Kirstin Semenchuk as she took Harlem to new heights. A very special thanks to Kirstin's mom Char, sister Kylee and grandparents Tom and Sheri Cannell of Sheri's Restaurant for their special care and love for Bud. Bless them all, and Tom Jr., Mel and Roxanne, too.

Bud would want his favorite niece Bev Bengston to know how much he enjoyed her, along with nephews John (Joanie) and their son Evan Bengston; and Jim, Tim and Keith Keulper, as well as their father, Don. Thank you to caregivers Misha and Mya for their wonderful care.

Bud will be remembered with visitation at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory at its Riverside Chapel at 3910 N. Rockton Avenue on Saturday, September 13, 2014 from 4:00 – 5:45 pm, followed by a short funeral service at 6:00pm. Burial will take place at a later date at Owen Center Cemetery. Bud was a proud member of the Lombardi Club and the Verdi Club, and as such, friends and family are invited to share anecdotes at the Lombardi Club after the funeral, and raise a glass in remembrance of this unassuming and wonderful man.

Memorials may be made in Bud's name to Noah's Ark, Milestone, or the American Cancer Society. Express condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.