FREEPORT - Roswell C. "Ros" Babler, formerly of Orangeville, IL, passed away on Sunday March 22, 2009 in Freeport, IL.

He was born November 8,1915 at home in Buckeye Township, Stephenson County, to John M. and Louise M. (Krueger) Babler. He married Marilyn Priewe on May 16, 1945 in Monroe, WI.

He was a lifelong resident of Stephenson County and a 1934 graduate of Orangeville High School. After graduation he farmed the family farm until retiring to Orangeville in 1970. He raised Purebred Chester White hogs and Registered Holsteins, sharing them at Stephenson County Black and White Shows and the Stephenson County Fair. He won numerous awards. He had the first milking parlor in Stephenson County. He received the Soil Conservation award in 1969.

Mr. Babler served on numerous boards including Stephenson Co. Board, Stephenson Co. Holstein Board, he was also a director for PMA and AMPI boards. After retiring he drove school bus for 5 years in Orangeville and 8 years in Freeport. He was a charter member of the Orangeville United Methodist Church and also a member of the Orangeville United Methodist Men.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; 4 daughters, Carolyn (John) Luthy of Morton, IL, Dorothy (Stephan) Arn of Freeport, IL, Lois (Ronald) Sigafus of Ringling, MT, Rose (Thomas) Riha of Irvine, CA; 1 son, David (Jean) Babler of Overland Park, KS; 16 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters-in-law, Maxine and Violet Babler.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Myron, John, and Ralph; 1 sister, Lonah; 1 sister-in-law, Frances Babler; and 1 brother-in-law, Elver Wenlandt.

Funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at the Orangeville United Methodist Church. Officiating will be the Rev. James Ketzel.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the Cramer-Leamon Funeral Home in Orangeville.

Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.