Gary L. Rote, 85, of Cedarville, IL, passed away at home, Thursday January 4, 2024, with his family by his side. He was born September 13, 1938 in Monroe, WI to William H. and Helen (Bellville) Rote. On June 28, 1958 he married Marlene Wild at Stavers United Methodist Church in rural Monroe. Gary started farming at a young age, which started with hogs as a 4-H project and later progressed to various livestock, dairy and crops. He was a member of First Free Methodist Church in Freeport, IL. Gary’s memberships and affiliations also included the Illinois Holstein Association, past member of the Buckeye Mutual Insurance Board, past board member of the Orangeville Community Bank, and past President of the Stephenson County Holstein Association. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers. Gary found great joy in watching the wildlife out his back door. He always was a great supporter for the Stephenson County Fair. Most of all, he enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids participate in their many activities including sports, music and showing cattle.
He is survived by his wife Marlene of Cedarville; five children Wendy (John) Korth of Freeport, IL, Shelly (Tom) Moyer of Davis, IL, Brian (Lori) Rote of McConnell, IL, Darcy (Mark) Thompson of Geneva, IL, and Brandon (Courtney) Rote of Davis, IL; siblings Richard Rote and Donna (Rote) Schluesche both of Monore, WI; sister-in-law Shirley Wild of Winslow, IL; and thirteen grandchildren Becky Korth, Elizabeth (Heath) Wales, Amanda (Garet) Ballard, Benjamin (Brandy) Korth, Laura (Derek) Erwin, Matthew (Jessica) Moyer, Carley Rote, Crystal (Mitchel) Stites, Carson Rote, Dalton (Christine) Thompson, Victoria Thompson, Alexis Rote and Samantha Rote; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Ronald, and brother-in-laws Walter Schluesche and Robert Wild.
Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Monday January 8, 2024 at First Free Methodist Church, 2157 W Cardinal Dr, Freeport, IL 61032, with Rev. Don Jamerson officiating. A visitation will be held Sunday January 7, 2024 from 12:00-4:00 P.M. at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. Burial will be at Cedarville Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Gary’s memory. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Freeport Hospice and the private nurse that gave Gary great care during his final weeks.
