Gaylen A. Bastian, 75, of Rockford, Illinois passed away on March 4, 2021. Gaylen was born on December 12, 1945 in Austin, Minnesota to Alfred and Ethel Bastian. Shortly after graduating from New Hampton High in Iowa Gaylen was drafted into the Army. He served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967. When he returned home he met the love of his life, Patricia Cantwell and married her on June 21, 1969. Gaylen worked for Gunite Foundry for 30 years before retiring in 2001. He also owned Quick Sew Carpet Binders for 25 years, serving people in his community. Gaylen was a member of Kishwaukee Community Church in Stillman Valley. Hunting, fishing, golfing, and building were the hobbies he enjoyed but there was nothing he loved more than spending time with his family and spoiling his grandchildren.
Gaylen is survived by his wife, Patricia Bastian; children, Jeffrey Bastian and Cindy (Brad) Thompson; grandchildren, Alyssa and Dylan Thompson; siblings, Robert (Ginger) Bastian and Cheryl (Carl) Miller; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Bonnie Ruud.
A Walk Through Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021 from 9:30am until the time of the Private Family Service, officiated by Pastor Eric Tonjes, at 10:30am at Sunset Funeral Home (8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115). Live Stream of the Service will be accessible via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SunsetFuneralHomeIL/ Private Inurnment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
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