Roland D. Gibson

Roland D. Gibson, 94, passed away on August 23, 2024 at the LaSalle Veteran’s Home. Born on August 16, 1930, in Ottville, Illinois, he was the son of Charles and Lauretta Gibson. After the death of his mother, he and his sister were raised by their grandparents, William and Minnie Fenwick. Roland attended LaMoille High School, graduating in 1948.

Following high school, Roland joined the Navy and served as a machinist second class in the Korean War on a troop transport ship from 1948-1952. During his military service, he crossed the Pacific Ocean over 40 times, went through the Panama Canal five times and cruised around the world once.  When he returned home, he pursued higher education for a year at the University of Illinois.  He then worked as a mechanic at Kern Motor Company, the Cadillac garage, from 1953-64.  Roland married Marlene Ryberg on May 8, 1955.  He began working at the Princeton Post Office in 1964 and retired from the US Postal Service in 1991.  After retirement, he and his wife owned and ran the "Paperback Corner" used bookstore until 1997. 

Roland volunteered as a Gold Coat at Perry Memorial Hospital, drove for Mobile Meals, volunteered at Friends of Strays, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge and VFW.  He was active in the Princeton First Presbyterian Church serving in many roles, including Elder, Trustee and Sunday School teacher. Roland could fix almost anything from an engine on a car or lawn mower to building shelves for the bookstore and other woodworking.  He loved driving.  He and Marlene enjoyed many family vacations and road trips together, visiting friends, family, and occasionally quilt shows, a passion of Marlene's.

Roland was a devoted husband to Marlene for 69 years, and a loving father to Anita (Mark) Tammen of Louisville, KY, Diana (Dave) Deutsch of Utica, IL, Susan (Joe) Johnson of Princeton, IL, and Dale (Sonja) Gibson of Peotone, IL. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 5 step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Charlene Behrens.

Family and friends are invited to join a celebration of Roland's life at 11:00am on Friday, September 6, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church, 320 Park Ave E., Princeton, IL with Pastor Colleen Lawrence, officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00am until the time of service at the church. Immediately following the service lunch will be served in Fellowship Hall. Cremation Rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the LaSalle Veteran’s Home where Roland received excellent care for the last two years, Friends of Strays in Princeton, IL or the charity of your choice.

Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.grant-johnsonfh.com.