FORRESTON — Roger F. Kilker, 88, of Forreston and Lena passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Freeport Hospital Thursday, June 5, 2025.
He was born on October 13, 1936, in Freeport to William and Marcella (Smith) Kilker. Roger graduated from Forreston High School in 1954. On January 26, 1956, he married Audrey Foat. They have been married for 69 years. They lived on the family farm and had 3 children: Norman, Debra and Keith.
Roger farmed for over 46 years and did roofing for over 40 years until he was 82. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Forreston and a Choir member for over 50 years, also holding many office positions, ASP youth trips and teaching High School Sunday School. Roger was also an active member of Farm Bureau for 50 years.
Most of all, his family was important to him. He enjoyed going to all his children’s music and sporting events. When he became a grandfather of 7 and great grandfather of 5, he enjoyed all their sports and activities and even disagreed with the ref’s and ump’s at different times. He continued to go to his great-granddaughter Ayla’s sports until the last few months when his health started to decline, cheering not only his great-granddaughter but all the girls on the team.
He is survived by his wife, Audrey, of 69 years of marriage; children Debra (Gary) Gromley of Arden, NC, and Keith (Kinga) Kilker of Lemont IL; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Lois of Denver Colorado and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, son, Norman, four brothers-in-law, and one sister-in-law.
A Memorial Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church of Forreston, on Thursday, June 19th from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. with Memorial Service following at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Roger’s name may be made to the Forreston Food Pantry or Rockford Rescue Mission.
