Gary A. Roberts

Gary A. Roberts, 65, of Rockford, formerly of Belvidere, died on August 31, 2008 in his home surrounded by his family.  Gary was born on July 11, 1943 in Orange, New Jersey the son of Richard and Charlotte (Alderman) Roberts.  Gary married Eileen Wetzel on February 14, 2003 in Belvidere.   Gary was a US Army Veteran and received his Respiratory Therapist Degree from Rock Valley College and worked at Highland Hospital before changing careers.  Gary worked for 25+ years in the Ready-Mix Industry and retired in 2005 after working for Meyer Materials as a ready-mix driver.  He loved target shooting, sky diving (in his younger years), Nascar, football, was excellent at crossword puzzles and was especially fond of his trip to Arizona when he went sky diving with his former wife Pat and their friends.   Gary is survived by his wife, Eileen Wetzel; his daughter, Theresa (Tom) Jessop; his son, Mike (Stacey) Roberts, his grandchildren, Zachery and Andre Roberts and Skyler, Austin, Shelagh and Joshua Jessop; his sister, Linda (Ken) Stehley; his favorite nephew, Jeff (Jacci) Stehley and his step-son Brad Swanson.  Gary was predeceased by his parents.   Funeral services and burial for Gary will be private.  Funeral arrangements were handled through Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel.  Family and friends may