William E Gibson, Sr

William E. Gibson Sr.-83 Cherry Valley

William E. Gibson Sr., 83, passed away in his Cherry Valley home, surrounded by family, on Friday June 26, 2015. Born in Rockford on June 10, 1932 to Rudolph M. Gibson and Marie J. (Deutsch) Gibson. William served his country in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Later, William married his true love, Marilyn M. Gustin, and together they raised a beautiful family. William worked as a Trim and Die Maker for over 42 years with Rockford Drop Forge before retiring in 1994.

William was a lifelong member of the Cherry Valley Sportsman’s Club and Harmony Singing Society and enjoyed anything outdoors including gardening, fishing and hunting. His greatest interest was spending time with his family.

William is survived by his wife Marilyn; children Cherie (Darius) Dayton, Nicole ( Bruce) Widergren, Michael (Marsha) Gibson, William Gibson, Jr., Timothy (Rhonda) Gibson and Suanne ( Brad) Carmichael; 19 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren; brothers Rudolph, Richard, and Robert and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Predeceased by his sons Ronald and Robert, parents, Rudolph and Marie, brother, Frank and sister, Barbara Suanne.

Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, with a visitation from 1:00 pm until 1:45 p.m. at the church. Military honors at Cherry Valley Twps. Cemetery. Arrangements made by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. – send online condolence to www.fitzgeraldfh.com