Robert "Bob" Gosdick

Bob was born November 16, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were Louis R. Gosdick – who was born in Russia and Cecelia S. (Klimek) Gosdick, whose parents were Polish immigrants. His parents moved to Rockford in 1935 where he graduated from St. Peter’s grade school (1947); St. Thomas High School (1951). He continued his education and graduated from the University of Notre Dame (1955) and Northwestern University Law School (1958).
He married Mary Ann Gallick (born and raised in Minneapolis, MN) on June 7, 1958. They had two daughters, Therese and Susan L. They had been married for 45 years when Mary Ann died December 19, 2003.
He married Bonita (Bonnie) Rusin Pierce on November 3, 2006.
Bob always felt that he had been blessed to have had 2 wonderful and happy marriages.
Upon his return to Rockford after completing Law School, he began the practice of law, the majority of his years having been spent as a sole practitioner. In 1966 he opened his own 2nd office in Byron, IL. He retired at the end of 2010 after practicing for 51 years.
He was co-founder and 1st President of Crusader Health Foundation.
Bob also served as president of the following organizations: Winnebago County Bar Association, Winnebago County Legal Aid Society, Crusader Central Clinic Association, Holy Family Church Board of Education, Children’s Development Center, Wyndemir Village Homeowners Association. In addition, he was on the Board of Directors of the Winnebago County Bar Foundation and Blackhawk Flying Club and taught CCD classes to high school students in the early 1960’s. He also enjoyed volunteering at Rock River Valley Pantry, Carpenter’s Place and I READ programs.
As sole practitioner he enjoyed his activities with the Illinois State Bar Association and was honored to serve for several years as the Chairman of its Public Relations Committee and its Bar Publications Committee.
In addition to his two happy marriages, the following brought him joy: the many opportunities to attend Daily Mass; Music, especially the standards of the 30s and 40s in the Great American Songbook, along with classic country music; learning to fly a single engine airplane; his part time law practice of 45 years in Byron as a one-lawyer, no secretary, no computer office; watching old movies; the solitude and silence of the wilderness around Ely, MN; traveling around the world; planes, trains and automobiles.
Survived by his wife Bonnie, his daughters Therese, and Susan (John) McFarland, Brookfield, IL. Step-daughters Caryn (Jay) Bruscato Naples, Fl., Jill (Phil) Holsinger, Duluth, MN, and Kimberly Pierce, Redmond, WA. Also, step-grandchildren, Lena Bruscato, Olivia Holsinger, Owen Holsinger and Ella Holsinger. Predeceased by wife Mary Ann, and his parents.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rock River Valley Pantry, Boylan Central Catholic High School or Carpenter’s Place.
Friends and family are invited to gather from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2022 on the outdoor covered patio at Franchesco's Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL 61107. Send condolences or share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.