William Gerber

William Robert Gerber died peacefully and went to his Heavenly Father on Monday, February 15, 2021 at the University of Wisconsin Madison hospital from complications associated with COVID-19. He was surrounded by his loving wife, and 3 children at the time of his death. William (Bill) Robert Gerber was born on January 29, 1945 in Elyria, Ohio to Dorothy Helen (Melton) Gerber and Robert Earnest Gerber; the eldest of 4 children, with his siblings to follow: Kathy Zappitell, Nancy Veenendaal and Tom Gerber. Bill immersed himself in the community, serving the “least of these”, volunteering to spread the good news and being a voice for so many. Bill was loud, funny, and willing to stand up for anyone. He loved people, and said “Always, always give someone a second chance, even if you’re frustrated!” Bill’s passion and energy was eternal. When causes were deemed impossible, time-consuming, or not “worth the squeeze”, they instantly became his priority. This mentality developed so many skills that earned him the respect as a trusted friend, admired pastor, and beloved father. A true jack of all trades Bill Gerber distinguished himself as an accomplished flautist and a gifted teacher. He was a member of the University of Illinois band (as he said, during the Dick Butkus days). He earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education, was an ordained Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) Lutheran Pastor, earned a Master’s of Health Science, and a Doctorate of Ministry. He made stained glass, was a green thumb, an I-can-fix-anything-er, lover of 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s music, a Vietnam Veteran, artist, lover of all things Native American, and bald eagles! He was an advocate and tutor for youth at risk of dropping out of school. He founded the Jericho Project working with men involved in the criminal justice system as well struggling with addiction. He served the homeless meals through his church. He was an accomplished and fantastic writer, including numerous grant writing proposals. He was a project starter and bike builder to provide youth in Rockford free bikes. He accomplished most of the above in his “spare time”. Bill fell in love with Barbara Ann Heck after meeting her through his sister Kathy; Barb and Kathy were college roommates. Kathy asked Barb to sing at her wedding and Bill to play the flute. That encounter led Bill to woo and capture Barb’s heart. In fact, Bill asked Barb three times to marry him before she finally relented! They married on December 22, 1968 in Gnadenhutten, Ohio. They moved to Rockford, Illinois and both began teaching. In that setting they met their best friends Charles and Linda Joseph. They have remained friends over half of their lives. Bill and Barb’s love was true. They had so many things in common that bound them together like glue. Both loved music, teaching, gardening, eating “to die for” food, their children and family, but most of all, they loved their Savior Jesus Christ. Bill and Barb had 3 children; Anne-Marie, Brian James and Matthew John. Bill was a wonderful, caring, motivating, and loving father. He loved all his children very much and instilled in them his values, beliefs, ethics, and his wicked sense of humor. The most important thing Bill told his children was to ALWAYS love the Lord, each other, their mother, and their extended family. He said family was the most important thing next to God and it was our responsibility and duty to take care of each. Bill loved his grandchildren and taught them many things in the time they spent together. All the kids knew that when they came to grandpa’s house ‘they get money!’. During one “grandkid reunion” Bill helped each of them make Dream Catchers. Dad said “remember Grandpa’s rules: 1. Play often. 2. Share gladly. 3. Speak softly. 4. Hug lots! 5. Love always!” He will be missed always and forever and is gone much too soon. In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to the Jericho Project, NFP. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Helen (Melton) Gerber and Robert Earnest Gerber, and his brother, Tom Gerber. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Barbara Ann (Heck), daughter Anne-Marie Patton (Shawn), son Brian James Gerber (Jenny), son Matthew John Gerber (Elizabeth), grandchildren Lila Gerber, Ty Gerber, Izzy Patton and Nolan Gerber, sister Nancy Veenendaal (Dave), sister Kathy Zappitell (John), sister-in-law Denise Gerber, and his many nieces and nephews whom he all loved dearly.  ? Bill Gerber Memorial Celebration of Life is Saturday, July 10th at 10:30 A.M., with a visitation one hour prior, at Christ the Rock Lutheran Church, 8330 Newburg Rd. Rockford, IL. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 712 Windsor Road, Loves Park, Illinois, 61111.