Gregory L. Sisler, 58, of Rockford, well-known teacher, musician, choir director and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008 at this home. He was born in Lanark, IL, May 24, 1950, the son of Max and Ruth Peters Sisler. He attended Lanark High School, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Maryland where he pursued his study of music and bassoon.

He retired just two years ago after teaching band in Rochelle for 29 years. Additionally, he was a member of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, a performing artist for Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, and performed with the DeKalb and Rochelle Municipal Bands, the Janesville/Beloit Symphony, and numerous other groups. He also taught private lessons, and one of his true love responsibilities was directing the choir at First Presbyterian Church in Rochelle.

He is survived by his brother, Doug and wife Karen, Dallas, Texas, niece Carrie and husband Brock as well as great-niece Alara, of Houston, Texas, and Paul Sisler, nephew, Austin, Texas. Additional family members include stepbrothers Jim Fouts, Stoughton, Wisconsin, and Randy Fouts, Prophetstown, IL, step-sisters Diane Schlender and Cindy Fouts of Baraboo, Wisconsin, and Cathy Bradley of Fulton, IL

Greg was a thoughtful, generous man who touched the lives of many, and he will be sorely missed by all.

Memorial services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday Aug. 15th at First Presbyterian church in Rochelle with visitation Thursday from 5 to 8 at Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th Street, Rochelle and 1 hour before service at the church.

Memorials to Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center and First Presbyterian Church of Rochelle.

Burial will take place at Lanark Cemetery at a later date.