It is with great sadness that the family of Wayne Gale Roman announces his passing on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at the age of 75.
Wayne was born on January 7, 1948, in Morrison, IL, to Wayne and Alberta (Lain) Roman. He attended Annawan High School, where he excelled in sports and Theatre. Following his graduation in 1966, he joined the U. S. Marine Corp and served as a E-4 Corporal, from January 1968 until his honorable discharge in 1969. Gus was a highly-decorated veteran, having earned the Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Purple Heart Medal. He had recently been the recipient of a Quilt of Valor. He was a true survivor of a conflict that followed him throughout his life.
Following his service, Gus attended and graduated from MIT in Morrison, IL, with a degree in Drafting and Blue Printing. On April 17, 1971, he was united in marriage with Jeri Lynn (Stout) Baker, and together they were blessed with three daughters. The couple made their home in Prophetstown, IL. In 2015, Gus retired to South Dakota to be near his daughter and family.
Gus loved hunting, fishing, and camping at Possum Hollow, located on the Rock River. He enjoyed hanging with friends, bonfires, and talking of old times (sometimes until the sun came up!) His favorite place to be was his farmstead, and his girls were his pride and joy.
Wayne will be greatly missed, but always remembered, by his daughters, Chanise (Chad) Pray of Groton, SD, Christin Roman of Lyndon, IL, and Tiffany Roman of Morrison; sisters, Loni (Mike) Duncan and Sherrie (Dan) Coppejans;brother, Gary Osborne. Gus is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Danielle, Chelsea, Corey, Paige, Trevor, Brandon, Alexis, Jaydin, Jordan, Billie, and Basie; 14 great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Alberta Osborne and Wayne Roman; step-mom, Mable Roman; aunt, Macy Roman; sister-in-law, Corrine Osborne; step-sister, Gloria Webster.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the McDonald Funeral Home, 46 Grove Street, Prophetstown, IL. Prayer service will be at 2:00 at the funeral home.
A procession to his farmstead will follow, where there will be Military Honors for Gus. Following the Military Honors, everyone is welcome to join the family in continuing to celebrate Gus’s life, at Semper Fi Slots, 352 Washington Street, Prophetstown, IL, at 4:00 p.m.
Honorary Casketbearers will be Butch Roslieb, Ricki J. Holland, Ralph Kennedy, David Gerken, Paul Surcha, and Ruben Garcia.
Casketbearers will be Brandon Roman, Jordan Pierceson, Jaydin Roman, Neal Swanson, Eric Osborne, Mike Duncan, Chad Pray, and Dan Coppejans.