Roger “Swede” James Eshelman, age 67 of Morrison, IL, died Friday, August 25, 2017, at his home.
Roger was born on July 21, 1950, in Dixon, IL, the son of Eugene and Lucille Eshelman. He married Ruth Dykstra on July 21, 1970, in Fulton, IL. Roger was a United States Army Veteran. Stationed in Germany, he served during the war in Vietnam from 1970-1972. Roger taught in the auto body department at Whiteside Area Career Center in Sterling for 21 years, retiring in 2000. He was a lifelong car enthusiast, street rods in particular. He was an avid gun enthusiast and collector, as well as a member of the Morrison Sportsman Club. Roger enjoyed telling jokes and stories. He will be missed dearly by his dog, Rosco.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth; two children, Ben (April) Eshelman of Morrison and Sarah Hawk (Bryan Sissing) of Fulton; three grandchildren, Siara O’Leary Hawk, Angelyca Hawk, and Grant Abell; twin brother, Richard “Dutch” (Connie) Eshelman of Mesa, AZ, and brothers, Raymond “Genie” (Beth) Eshelman of Albany, IL, and Robert “Bob” (Dawn) Eshelman of Fulton.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be Monday, August 28, 2017, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m,. at Gateway Faith Fellowship Church in Fulton, IL.
Funeral service will be on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at Gateway Faith Fellowship Church in Fulton, IL, with Pastor Wayne Wiersema officiating.
Military Honors will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesis Hospice.