Gary F. Rothwell, 70, of Loves Park, IL, went to be with his Lord and Savior after a long struggle with dementia. Gary was born December 18, 1952 in Warren, AR, the son of Raymond and Doris (Foord) Rothwell. Gary graduated from high school and went on to receive his Master’s degree in Physics and Math in 1975 from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas and then taught at North Texas State University for a short time. He was involved with Fraternity Sigma Alpha Sigma. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1975-1998, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Gary received his Master of Divinity Degree from Golden Gate Seminary in California. Gary married the love of his life, Carol Wagener on June 28, 1986. He served faithfully as a pastor for three churches from 1986-2008. Gary coordinated the March for Jesus for four years in the East Bay area and then worked as a Billy Graham Administrator for a San Francisco East Bay crusade in 1997/98. Gary was involved with the Evangelical Ministers Fellowship in Rockford from 2003-2009 and coordinated a city wide Good Friday service. He was a part of the Cherry Valley Rotary from 2003-2008 and served a term as president. Gary worked at Walgreens from 2008-2015. He also was employed at Sunset Funeral Home from 2009-2019. Gary was a humble and kind man who will be missed by all.
Gary is survived by his wife, Carol; his sister, Barbara (Gary) Warriner of Kansas City, MO; step-sons, Martin Fiege of New York and Bret (Eleanor) Fiege of California; granddaughter, Lauren Fiege of CA; grandsons, Chris Fiege of New York and Kevin Fiege of Ohio; many loved nieces and nephews; many cousins; and numerous special friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents.
Our family thanks Promedica Hospice (Heartland) for all their help and caring support.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 11:00 am at Redeemer Church, 5501 Windsor Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagerockford.com for the Rothwell family.
