Willard 'Bill' O. Gorsuch

Willard Owen "Bill" Gorsuch, 78, Belvidere, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, December 6, 2013. Born September 2, 1935 in Rockford, son of Harry O. and Winnifred (Pippel) Gorsuch. He was raised in Cherry Valley with 3 older brothers. Married Patricia "Pat" Murphy on October 10, 1953 in Cherry Valley United Methodist Church. They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters and brothers. Bill was a carpenter for Horizon Retail Construction Co. out of Racine, WI as a supervisor for remodeling retail stores in shopping centers in many states. Since retirement Bill's favorite activities have been his grandchildren…attending their many activities…Cheerleading, poms, choraliers/ show choir, musicals, band, baseball, football and softball games, track and wrestling meets, and Eagle Scout ceremonies. His hobby was woodworking, especially making things for his family. He was a member of Cherry Valley United Methodist Church, Belvidere American Legion Post 77, member of Monroe Center 500 card club for over 40 years, former member of Monroe Center Lions Club and Rockford Drag-0ns. Bill was a devoted son, husband, father and grandpa. His children always said they had the best of the best.

Survivors include his wife, Pat; children, Bonnie (Bob) Young, Monroe Center, Debbie (Mike) Hecht, Davis Junction, Andy (Sandy) Gorsuch, Reedsburg, WI, Marty (Cris Johnson) Gorsuch, Stillman Valley, Russ (Beth) Gorsuch, Cherry Valley and Jennifer (David) Dienberg, Stillman Valley; grandchildren, Rob (Mary) Young, Eric Young, Nicole (Tim) McCammond, Tara, Kirk, Calli, Katie (Josh Schupbach), Jacob, Mitch, Spencer, Rachel and Abel Gorsuch, Joey and Lexi Dienberg; great-grandchildren, Reese, Kai, Kane and Dannan Young and Aaron McCammond; sisters-in-law, Betty Gorsuch, Kathleen Sundberg, Sally Hollembeak and Mary Wilson; brothers-in-law, Terry (Sherry) Murphy, Tim Murphy and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; brothers, Edward, Ronald and Donald Gorsuch; granddaughter, Amelia Gorsuch; sisters-in-law, Esther Gorsuch and Connie Murphy; brothers-in-law, Vance Sundberg, Pee Wee Hollembeak , Ron Wilson and mother and father-in-law, Bob and Lola Murphy. The family would like to thank OSF Hospice for their compassionate care, especially, attending nurse Michelle.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 12, 2013 in Cherry Valley United Methodist Church with Rev. Monty Fox officiating. Visitation from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Visitation also from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service at the church on Thursday. Memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.