Robert Gyllenswan

ROBERT J. 'GILLY' GYLLENSWAN, 83 ROCKFORD - Robert J. "Gilly" Gyllenswan, 83, of Rockford died Tuesday, July 22, 2008, in Alpine Fireside Nursing Center after a short illness. Born May 11, 1925, in Rockford, son of Carl and Elvera (Carlson) Gyllenswan. Bob married Adele Adolphson on Oct. 20, 1951, in Rockford. He retired in 1982 from the Twin Disc Co. after 33 years as a design engineer, then became a sales representative for Rockford Forms. 'Gilly' was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945 as a tech sergeant in Gen. George Patton's Second Army, where he was presented the Purple Heart for injuries received in France. Bob was a member of Masonic Lodge 102, Valley of Freeport Scottish Rite Bodies, served as Potentate of Tebala Shrine in 1985, and was active in Tebala's Air Squadron and Rockford Court 69 ROJ. Bob was past president of the Rockford Chapter of Experimental Aircraft Association. He recently was presented the honor of Director Emeritus of the National Board of EAA for his 46 years of dedicated service. "Gilly" was past president of the Rockford Engineering Society and past president of the Rockford Chapter American Production and Inventory Control Society and enjoyed golfing, bowling and flying. He received a BSME degree from Illinois Institute of Technology, majoring in mechanics and design, and took graduate courses from Northern Illinois University. Survived by wife, Adele; niece, Renee (Jeff) Fraser; great-nephews, Brett (Linda) Fraser and Scott Fraser, all of Rockford, Kevin Fraser of Waukegan; and several cousins. The family wishes to thank OSF Saint Anthony Oncology staff and Alpine Fireside staff for their compassionate care. Masonic service at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, in Riverside Community Church, 6816 N. Second St., Machesney Park, followed by memorial service conducted by the Rev. Dr. William R. Kerr Sr., pastor. Visitation from 10 a.m. to time of service in the church. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Shriner's Hospitals for Children, c/o Tebala Shrine, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL 61110. Arrangements by Anderson-Long-Klontz Funeral Home and Cremations Services Ltd., 6825 Weaver Road.