|
Bill Robertson
|
|
Deceased 2013
D. WILLIAM 'BILL' ROBERTSON, 66 ROCKFORD - D. William Robertson, 66, of Rockford died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, Ill. Born April 17, 1946, in Rockford, the son of Alastair and Alice (Warren) Robertson. Married Susan Pearson on May 25, 1968. He graduated from Rockford East High School in 1964, received an associate's degree from Rock Valley College and a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University. Received an honorable discharge from the U.S.M.C. in 1968. Bill joined the Rockford Fire Department on Jan. 3, 1972, and was appointed inspector in the Fire Prevention Division and later appointed to Driver/Engineer. He was promoted to Lieutenant, Captain, and to District Chief on Aug. 6, 1991, and became the 9th Fire Chief of the Rockford Fire Department until he retired June 15, 2008. During the time he was Fire Chief, he was also Chairman of the ETSB (911) board. He thoroughly enjoyed every day and his association with the firefighters and the public. In the early 1980's, he served as President of IAFF Local 413. He was a member of International Fire Chiefs, Winnebago Fire Chiefs and Illinois Fire Chiefs, where he was elected to the executive board. He was a former board member of SwedishAmerican Hospital, Shelter Care Ministries and Red Cross. He was currently a board member of Youth Services Network and was also serving as an advisor on the Community Needs committee of Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. In addition, he was a member of the Rotary Clubof Rockford. He was elected to the Rockford City Council in April 2009 as Alderman for the 14th Ward. Bill was a loving husband, father and grandfather. In addition to spending time with his family, he thoroughly enjoyed and loved the opportunity to watch his children and grandchildren grow. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bear fan. He also enjoyed reading and playing golf. He especially enjoyed his Thursday golf games with the retired firefighters. Bill was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council, stewardship committee, and outreach board. He is survived by wife, Susan; daughters, Jill (Steve) Pletsch and Kathy (Cedric) Jones, both of Rockford; grandchildren, Rachael and Brody Pletsch, Taylor Robertson, Jasmine and Isaiah Jones; sisters, Maralyn (Roy) Kloweit, Maradene Davidson, Sharon (Joel) Sjostrom, all of Rockford, Judy Havnen of Fort Collins, Colo., and Helen (Don) Schaefer of Noblesville, Ind.; brother, Jim Robertson (Beverly Sullivan) of Rockford; sisters-in-law, Sandra (Colin) McDonough of Rockford and Nancy (Ed) Novak of Green Bay, Wis.; brother-in-law, Milt (Diane) Aaby of Rockford; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews. Predeceased by parents; sister, Karen Aaby; brother, Warren Robertson; sister-in-law, Joan Robertson; and brothers-in-law, Ralph Davidson and John Havnen. Memorial service at 10 a.m. Friday, March 1, at Zion Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Dr. Michael Thomas officiating. Private family burial in Arlington Memorial Park. Memorial visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at the church. Memorials to Zion Lutheran Church, 925 Fifth Ave., Rockford, IL 61104; Shelter Care Ministries, 412 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61103; or Serenity Hospice and Home, 1658 S. Illinois Route 72, Oregon, IL 61061. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd.
Published in Rockford Register Star from February 26 to February 27, 2013
|
|
Shirley Rounds (Schirz)
Tribute to Bill from the Benton St. Gang
We all met before or in kindergarten, and there were so many of us--all members of the Class of '64.
Within a two block radius from Longwood to Adams, Crosby to Jackson, a group of little people forged a league of friendship, play and loyalty. We played baseball and workup in the Benton St. lot, kick the-can in the alley between Benton and Crosby/Adams and the lot, capture the flag in Beattie Park, rode our bikes on 'fruit raids', through the cemetary and sat on our bikes for hours outside Vernie's store on Benton. We had summer-long ping-pong tournaments in Vernie's drive, walked atop the foundations of every structure being built anywhere in the area, came running from all directions when we heard the "Weiner Mobile" or the clip-clop of Gene Autry's glorious horse; but, the best thing of all was "The Circus" we put on in Bill's side yard every August.
We each trained all summer for the 'acts' we'd performed in that circus, decided who would run what tents and advertised when the time came. Our circuses were amazing, complete with costuming and make-up! We charged an entry fee, sold popcorn and lemon aide and charged two pennies to play our various games (all patterned after the games at the 7th St. Festival). We were little entrepeneurs!
Most all of us grew up to be college grads/ professionals, many of us teachers and other civil servants . We allowed in only a few members who were younger or older than us; these 'exception' kids were: Vick Vernie, Russell Peterson, Karen & Sharon Robertson, Sharon Conant and Donnie Bonavia (all younger) and Bonnie Sypher and Sandy Johnson (older) and three big brothers to help us when we needed help: Dick Rounds, Jack Foster and Jim Robertson.
Who were the core members of the Benton St. Gang? (If I forgot anyone, please let me!) Bill, Terry Richardson, me, Bill Hoglund, John Rosborough, Susie Anderson, Jim Foster, Pete Bonavia; and as we got older and another block out--Julie Cerio, Merry Lou Jennings, Marsha Johnson, Linda Johnson and Mitch Summers. Joining us on occasion were Sherwood Anderson, Greg Hanna, Gary Knoble, Linda Knoble, Kathy Anderson, Dana Goldman, Judy Seneca, both Linda Johnson's, Mark VanPernis and Steve Olson, What a group of amazing kids who grew in to amazing adults.
Bill, or 'Don' as he insisted we call him during 3rd and 4th grade, Chief of the Rockford Fire Department, Alderman, and a member of the Benton St. Gang! Now, those are great benchmarks for a guy we all loved from the very beginning of our teeny-tiny lives!
With love forever ,Shirley