Gary Carlton Anderson

Gary Carlton Anderson, 74, Cherry Valley, was called home to be with Jesus on Thursday, December 8, 2022, surrounded by his loving children. He was born November 17, 1948, in Rockford, the son of Carlton “Kit” and Juanita “Julie” (Juhlin) Anderson. Gary married Charlotte “Char” Schimenz, the love of his life, on October 27, 1973, at the Church by the Side of the Road in Rockton, IL.

Gary was a general contractor in the Rockford area for many years building homes. He later worked as a realtor with Johnson Mauer and Jim Dixon. Before retiring in 2012, Gary worked for the Energizer Battery Company and for Acosta Sales Company.

Survived by his children, Kelly Noel Gierat of California, Tina (Ryan) Schenk of Kenosha, WI, Theresa (Michael) Dakoff of Bartlett, IL., and Jason Anderson of Ft. Myers, FL; his grandchildren, Presley and Preston Dakoff; his sister, Karen Lafond; and his furry best friend, Lola. Predeceased by his wife, Char, his sister, Carla Wenberg, his brother-in-law, Gary Lafond and his aunt, Marilyn (Aunt Dudge) Juhlin; his favorite Aunt.

Gary and Char raised 4 children in the home that Gary and his father built together where Gary resided until his passing. Gary loved his yard and his home was his sanctuary. You could often find him mowing the lawn, mulching and gardening. In 2016 Gary became the fulltime caretaker of his beloved wife. For 3 and a half years he was the rock and the foundation for her journey (Train 22). Char passed away on March 18, 2019.

Gary then became a snowbird in honor of his wife and spent the winters in Florida with his best bro, Jason. Together they went to the beach, spent time at the bird park and created a bond that grew their souls together in harmony with nature.

Gary loved his sweet P’s, Presley and Preston. They were the light of his eyes and he would do anything to put a smile on their faces. Watching them grow taught the entire family the meaning of selflessness.

Gary was a leader. He always spoke kindly and truthfully. He was a poet and would often stay up late writing “life lessons” that he then shared with his family. One of his favorite quotes was, “Be happy! It’s not what you gather, but what you scatter, that tells what type of life you have lived”.

Funeral services will be held at 6:30 P.M. on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, with Reverend Dean Parker officiating. Private family burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until the time of service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl. Memphis, TN 38105. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.