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BORN
1958
DIED
2020
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Stephen Gerbode Obituary
Stephen "Steve" Gerbode, 61, of Lena, IL passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2020 in Rockford, IL. He was born on August 22, 1958 in Rockford, IL to John and Sally (Barber) Gerbode. He graduated from Lena-Winslow High School in 1976, and also graduated from Highland Community College. Steve married Mary Dick on January 8, 1982 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena, IL. In 1985, Steve joined the police force and retired as Lieutenant in October, 2013 from the Freeport Police Department.
Steve was very proud to protect and serve the community of Freeport. He was a member of the Lena Lions club, the Treasurer of both the Lena Lions Club and the Lena Community Center Board. Steve loved working on and riding ATVs and was very active in the local ATV forums. After retirement, Steve worked part-time at Full Throttle Powersports in Lena.
Steve is survived by his wife Mary of Lena, their children; Stephanie (Zach) Amborn of McConnell, IL, Bill (Aleisha) Gerbode of Stevens Point, WI, and Robert (Casey) Gerbode of Lena, IL, and five grandchildren; Caleb and Brenden Amborn, Nathan, Arianna, and Oliver Gerbode, his mother; Sally Gerbode of Lena, brothers and sister; John (Sandy) Gerbode, David (Joy) Gerbode, and Mary E. Gerbode, his father-in-law Robert (Linda) Dick, a special Uncle Ken (Carol) Gerbode, and several nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his father John, nephew Jason Gerbode, and his mother-in-law Rose Mary Dick.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Freeport, IL.
A visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, March 20, 2020 at Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.
Father Ken Anderson will officiate the services.
In light of recent events, instead of a luncheon following the services, the family plans to hold a celebration of life at a later date for those who are unable to attend Steve's services. Steve always loved to be surrounded by his friends and family. A private family burial will take place at a later date. A memorial has been established in his memory.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Gerbode
Sponsored by Leamon Funeral Home - Lena.
JOE AND PAULA GERKE
March 20, 2020
Mary and family we are so sorry for your loss.
We are sorry we can't be there in person, but
we certainly have been and will continue to keep
you in our prayers as you begin your new journey
without Steve. God Bless you
Joe and Paula
Wi ATV Trip Aug 2019
Jerry Young
March 19, 2020
Dawn Brinkmeier Blaser
March 19, 2020
I'm so very sorry for the loss of Steve. My heart goes out to each of you.
Christy Scheider
March 19, 2020
Mary & Family
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.
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Brian & Dawn Kuntzelman
March 17, 2020
Dear Mary and Family,
We are so deeply sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I enjoyed working with Steve and playing ball with Steve. He was committed to everything he put his mind and heart into. I had only seen him a couple of times since our retirements but will always consider him a friend. Our hearts go out to your entire family and our prayers are with you all.
Bob & Phyllis Wendt
March 17, 2020
Dear Mary and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Steve. Sending prayers and hugs. Hoping all the great memories and support from family and friends help you at this difficult time.
Tony Heindel
March 17, 2020
Mary & Family:
So sorry to hear of Steve's death. As you already know, Steve was a good, caring man with a great sense of humor. We will all miss him. You're in my thoughts.
On the Trails
Jerry Young
March 16, 2020
My Friend Steve, I've only known you for a few short years, but what a blessing it was. We had things in common, we laughed a lot, we planned ahead, we spent time together on fun ATV trips in many different places and told a lot of work stories. The memories of our time together will never be forgotten. I will miss you my friend.
Thank You for your decades of community service with the BLUE Team. We have the watch from here. God Speed.
Mary, I will miss his wisdom and his passion to always be right, no matter if he was or not. That was bread into him from his job.... "Come up with a plan (even if it wrong) but stick with the plan until the job at hand is complete".
Mary, I lost a friend, you lost your life long partner, I feel so sorry for your loss, I already know you know he was a GREAT guy. I'm sending you a BIG HUG now until I see you soon.
Steve make sure you have me a new Polaris set up ready to go riding when I see you next. We will go on that trip that you had planned, and ride again.
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