Chris J Rocker

  Christian Johann Rocker, 104, of Gifford, IL went to be with the Lord  on the afternoon of Sunday, September 17, 2023 at Country Health Care and Rehab, Gifford.
  Chris was born to A. Henry and Grace (Schluter) Rocker near Gifford June 1, 1919. A life-long member, he was baptized and confirmed at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gifford where he later served on the church board. He married Anna L Osterbur on August 11, 1940 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal, IL. They spent their entire lives on the farm working the land in the Penfield and Gifford areas and raising farm animals. Dad was born during the Spanish Flu and lived to have COVID and survived that. He lived during the Great Depression and saw poverty, especially in others who came to their farm just to have something to eat and to sleep in the barn. At the age of twelve his father said he was old enough to farm and so with a harrow and a team of horses he farmed the land. When he was ready for a car he trapped along the local ditches and earned enough to buy a Model A. Going to church and reading the Bible was an important part of their lives.
  He was predeceased by his parents, an infant sister, Anna Catherine, a grandson Anthony Baker, a granddaughter Amy (Mike) Zinchuk and our Mom on March 27, 2002.
  He is survived by his five children, Eileen (Kenny) Owens of Howard, CO; Leon of Gifford, Pauline(Mike) Clements of St Joseph, IL, Lois Forster of Washington DC, and Patricia (Terry) Evans of Mahomet, IL.
5 grandchildren, Neil (Diane) Baker;  Julie Baker; Gabriel (Carrie) Clements; Tina (Kyle) Smith; Marc (Angie) Evans,  14 great-grandchildren, Nicole(Darren)Suits; Christopher(Jessi) Baker; Katie(Mike) Reid; Elizabeth(Josh) Stultz; Ethan and Matthew Zinchuk; Payton and Rylee Clements; Brayden; Dylan; Nolan; Corbin; and Jensen Smith and Jianna Evans.
  Also surviving are 10 great-great-grandchildren, Leo; Lucas; Albie and Dash Suits, Eli and Raleigh Baker, Kaleb, Everly, Ollie and Isla Reid.
  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 on Wednesday morning at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford.  Rev. Scot Guhl will officiate.  He will be buried along side his wife at Huls Cemetery, Gifford.
  Visitation will be for one prior to the service at St. Paul’s.
  Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s or Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary.
  Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul is handling the arrangements.



 

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