Marcus "Paul" Gonnerman, age 81, passed away after a recent illness at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, Il.

Paul was born on May 29, 1941, to Marie and Marcus Gonnerman in Dixon, IL. He grew up on the family farm in Nachusa, Illinois until he graduated Dixon High School in 1959. From there, Paul enlisted into the Air Force and was a head mechanic with the 379 ^th Bomber wing. He served during the Cuban missile crisis in Puerto Rico. His active service was from 1959 until 1963.

After the Air Force, he married his high school sweetheart Karen Elizabeth Spencer on September 20 ^th , 1964. They lived in Dixon briefly before moving to Rockford and eventually making their roots in Freeport, Illinois where they raised two children, Greg and Debbie.

Paul worked as a dispatcher for Commonwealth Edison for 30 years before retiring in 1996. During that time, he was highly active in Faith United Methodist Church in Freeport, where he was on the board of trustees, as well as 4-H Harlem Helpers. Paul and Karen took the family on many trips as they enjoyed seeing the country that Paul loved so much. When Paul was not working, he was also an avid gardener and amateur photographer which he really enjoyed. There were not may days that you would see Paul without his camera.

After his retirement, Paul loved to tend his garden and spend even more time shooting photography. He became very active in the Freeport Camera Club, was published twice, and became their President for a number of years. He and Karen also continued to travel taking cruises with family and friends as much as they could. One of his favorites was their cruise to Alaska.

Paul loved hanging out with his kids and grandkids who he adored.  His favorite sports to watch with them were Nascar and football. One of his favorite activities was watching his grand kids play their own sports. He also enjoyed antiquing with Karen and finding old pedal cars to restore. He loved working with hands and brining old things back to life such as the cars and tractors that he had. He also was an avid outdoors man who loved the woods and everything it represented.

Paul was not someone who was taken from us, he was someone who was given to us. He will be missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Karen, his two children: Gregory (Becky) Gonnerman, of Des Moines, IA, Debra (Jim) Schuler of St. Charles, IL. His four grandchildren Alex Schuler, Grant Gonnerman, Hannah Schuler, Alyssa Gonnerman. Two siblings Donna Schuler and Mary Ann (Russell) Schuler who all reside in Gillman, IL.

He is now reunited with his parents Marie and Marcus Gonnerman, his in-laws Harold and Ruth Spencer, as well as his brother Frederick Gonnerman and his brother-in-law Ernest Schuler.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 31 ^st at Faith United Methodist Church in Freeport, IL. Funeral Services will take place at 9:30 am on Monday, August 1 ^st at Faith United Methodist Church in Freeport, IL followed by a committal service for the family at Chapel Hill in Dixon, IL.

A memorial fund as been established for the American Cancer Society. Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.