Rochelle

Gordon L. Carlson, 90, of Rochelle, passed away Friday, February 24, 2017 at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL. Gordon was born on October 12, 1926 in Rockford, IL to Herman and Ellen (Brandt) Carlson.

Gordon served in World War II and after the war, got his B.A. and Master's Degree from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. He taught History at Rochelle Township High School for 37 years, retiring in 1998. Gordon married Rita Roerkohl of Rockford in 1952. She passed away in July of 1998. He then married Leonce Kepner in May of 2000. She preceded him in death in March of 2010. He was an active member of the Rochelle Historical Society, Rochelle Garden Club, of which he was a founding member, and was involved with the Rochelle VFW, American Legion, and Presbyterian Thrift Store. He enjoyed gardening and golfing, was an avid Chicago White Sox fan, and traveled extensively with both of his wives.

Gordon is survived by his children: Mary (Scott Vrhel) Carlson, Robert Jacobs, and Cyndi (SL) Higginbottom; 10 grandchildren: Holly (Jeremy Taylor) Vrhel, Alison (Rob) Schiff, Robert (Amanda Christenson) Jacobs, Lindsay (Aaron Lawin) Jacobs, Will (Catherine) Higginbottom, Sam (Jackie) Higginbottom, Logan (Dominic) DiGiovanni, Jake (Theresa) Higginbottom, Jonah (Lauren Kyser) Higginbottom, and Keziah Higginbottom; 13 great grandchildren; four nieces; one nephew; and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Gordon was preceded in death by both his parents; brothers, Ralph and Burdett; and grandson, USMC Sgt. Craig "Guppy" Higginbottom.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hickory Grove Civic Center in Rochelle.

Memorials have been established to the Rochelle Historical Society, Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, and Rockford Rescue Mission.

Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.