Roland R. Thompson

Roland was born on January 2, 1954 in Bad Kissingen, Germany the son of James R. Thompson and Hedwig (Gerald) Smothers. Roland was formerly employed by the United States Postal Service in Rockford and proudly served his country in the United States Army 82nd Airborn Division and Army National Guard Company B 2ND Battalion 129th Infantry in Rockford. Roland was a loving father, son and brother and grandfather. He was very proud of his German heritage and his hobbies included collecting German war memorabilia and watching old war movies and documentaries on the history channel. He also enjoyed putting military models together, or trying to at least. He had a great sense of humor and was always doing or saying something to make you laugh. He and his sister Patricia were very close and spent a lot of time together. He enjoyed it when his mother would cook his favorite meal roast with German potato dumplings. Survivors include daughter Rebecca (Thompson) Wicks of South Beloit, son Christopher Thompson of Dixon, son Troy Thompson of Nashville, TN, step son B.J. Hribal of Loves Park, step son Lane Hribal of Loves Park, sister Patricia (Keith )Woller, grand sons Jordan and Ethan Wicks grand daughters Scarlett and Layla Thompson. Predeceased by Father Gerald Smothers.

A visitation to celebrate Roland's life will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday June 19, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Road in Machesney Park with Military Honors to follow. Cremation rites will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family.

A Letter from Heaven

When tomorrow start without me,

and I'm not here to see.

If the sun should rise and find your

eyes, filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn't cry,

the way you did today,

While thinking of the many things,

we didn't get to say

I know how much you love me,

as much as I love you,

And each time you think of me,

I know you'll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me,

don't think we're far apart,

for every time you think of me,

I'm right there in your heart.

SHARE, If you miss someone in Heaven

.