Jewel A. Gessner

Jewel Ann Gessner, 85, of Rockford passed away peacefully Monday, January 12, 2015 at Emeritus of Rockford surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 25, 1929 in Beloit, WI, daughter of Lillian and John Kemp.

She went on to marry the love her life, John William Gessner. They were married 49 years and lived most of their married lives in Rockford, but retired in Rockton on the banks of the Rock River.

Jewel was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She attended St. Paul Lutheran Church when she lived in Rockford and Old Stone Church when she moved to Rockton.

Survivors include her children, Gary (Karen), Kirk, Dave (Chris) Gessner, and Judy (Steve) Davidson; grandchildren, Matt (Carolyn) Davidson, Amanda (Jeff) Cain, Sarie, Christopher, and Gretchen Gessner; great-grandchildren, Haley and Breanna Davidson, Katie, John Paul, and Bella Davidson, Madison and Jacob Triplett; sister, Romaine (Melvin) Wincapaw; brother, Danny Wasmund; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her husband.

The family would like to thank the staff at Emeritus and Heartland Hospice for their patient and loving care.

Funeral service 5 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2015, at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park. Visitation 4 p.m. until the time of service. Interment 9:30 a.m. Friday January 16, 2015 at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Emeritus Staff fund or Heartland Hospice. Online condolences may be submitted at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com