William "Bill" Andrew Rouse

william
William "Bill" Andrew Rouse, 73 of Bradford passed away on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria. He was born on May 16, 1938 in Princeton to Charles and Bernadine (Butte) Rouse. He married Marlene (Marti) Row on Aug. 31, 1957 in Kewanee, IL. He served in the Army Reserves for 6 years. He farmed in the Bradford area for 15 years and was co-owner of R&S trucking. He was sales manager at the Ford Dealership in Wyoming for 15 years. In the 1980''s he founded his family''s business, Green Gables, Inc. He expanded Green Gables to 8 locations. In 2001 it evolved into a wholesale furniture and manufacturing facility, that is still in operation in Bradford today and employs 35 people. He enjoyed coin collecting, hunting, woodworking, bird watching, and gardening. He loved being surrounded by his family and especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Marti of Bradford, two sons, Bill Rouse of Wyoming, and Bob (Tricia) Rouse of Bradford; two brothers, Raymond (Carol) Rouse of Bradford and Richard (Mary Jo) Rouse of Kewanee; one sister Rose (Joe) Poindexter of Hot Springs, AR; five grandchildren, Billy, Kaley, Jared, Robert and Sam. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister, Marlene Tumbleson, and 1 brother Norman Rouse. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Bradford. Burial will be in Bradford Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home, Bradford. Rosary will be at 8 p.m. Contributions may be directed to Bradford Rescue or Donor''s Choice. Pallbearers will be Charles Rouse, Ron Elliott, Jeff Galyean, Brad Galyean, David Rouse and Philip Rouse. Honorary pallbearers are Don Stone and Gary Werkheiser.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Marti, Bill & Bob – To lose a father and husband is difficult, the anchor of the family. No words can fill the hole you feel in your heart. I remember back to when my dad passed away and my son asked, “Mama, why is everyone crying? Heaven is a beautiful place, and PeaPa gets to see Jesus! We will get to see him again, don’t worry it is not forever!” I had to smile. We wish you much peace in the next few days, weeks and months and know that we are always thinking of you.

  2. to Marti and family-So many memories going through the years. Sending prayers to you and the kids.

  3. Losing Bill is a great loss to his family and friends and co-workers. We have been friends for many years, through many times of joy and sorrow. My prayers are sent to Marti, Bill, Bob, and all the family. I will be thinking of you always.

  4. I came in today hoping to pray with Marti and found out William had passed. My heart ached for you and your loss. My prayers are with you and your family through these hard times. He is in a much better place looking over you and your family. Much Love~ Kelsey

  5. Thank you Brenda. Your Mother explained that you would not be able to come to Ohio and we tanersundd. Your being there this summer was special. Wanda enjoyed her family and the pictures were really important to her. Mention chilren and she would grab her purse and start looking for her pictures to share. Our adventure to your wedding and the days that followed was one of our most cherished occasions.Thanks for the memories. With much Love Unkle Gordon


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle