Gerald Duane Zaugg

Gerald Duane Jerry Zaugg, 78, of Rockford passed away Monday, September 3, 2012 at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center after a sudden illness. Born on April 10, 1934 in West Bend, Iowa; the son of Ben and Lydia Zaugg. Jerry was married to Carol (Fritsch) Zaugg from 1956 to 1985. He was selfemployed running numerous businesses including Jerry Zaugg Excavating, Zaugg Brother Excavating, Jerry Zaugg Landscaping and Jerrys Land Improvement. Jerry was a charter member of Chapelwood Community Church as well as a member of the Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association, volunteer fireman with the Northwest Fire Department for over 50 years and a retired member of Midwest Operating Engineers Local 150. He loved his family, jeep racing, excavating, landscaping and specialized in digging lakes. As a loving father and a devoted grandfather, his family meant the world to him. His arms were always open for huge bear hugs and kisses. His big grin warmed our hearts and always reminded us of a teddy bear, just like his father. There were not many times that there wasnt a smile on Jerrys face, and he brought joy to everybody in a special way. Jerry loved jeep racing at Gravelrama! Fortytwo years ago, he and his family embarked on an adventure in Ohio with his beloved jeep called the "Grasshopper". He raced that jeep every year thereafter. His last event at Gravelrama was the obstacle course just 2 weeks ago. Though he needed help getting into his jeep, he won 1 st place in his class. He lived his life to the fullest as a very determined, hardworking man. He had a heart of gold and would give the shirt off his back to anyone who said they needed it. We will miss you, JZ. Special thank you to all of his many friends and family, especially, Joanne Tkadletz and his former wife Carol Zaugg Jerry is survived by his children, Duane (Candice) Zaugg of Beloit, WI, Laura (Ron) Carlson of Rockford, Dan (Sabine) Zaugg of Ridgway, CO and Linda (Brian) Addotta of Osage Beach, MO; 12 grandsons and 4 granddaughters, 2 greatgrandchildren; siblings, Lynn (Darlene) Zaugg of Rockford, Nancy (Ron) Zaugg of Jacksboro, TN, Larry (Jeanne) Zaugg of Waxhaw, NC, Chuck (Pam) Zaugg of Eagle River, WI. Predeceased by his parents, Ben and Lydia. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at Faith Center, 4721 S. Main St., Rockford. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Chapelwood Community Church, 3625 Halsted Rd., Rockford, and will continue at Faith Center on Saturday from 10:00 until the time of service. Burial in Willwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established at a later date. To