Mr. Eugene Dale Rossell, 85, of Galesburg, Illinois died 8:05 p.m. Monday, November 27, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born February 16, 1938, in Galesburg, the son of Ray Dale and Alpharetta (Trout) Rossell. He married the love of his life, Altaretta I. “Rita” Schroeder on February 27, 1960, in Dallas City, Illinois. After 61 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on March 10, 2021.
Surviving is his son, Greg (and Dorie) Rossell of Knoxville, Illinois, two daughters, Gina Gerstenberger of Galesburg and Laurie (and Chris) Moore of Knoxville, nine grandchildren, Amy Gerstenberger, Andy Gerstenberger, K.C. Swanson, Melissa Swanson, Abbie Moore, Michelle McBride, Megan Moore, Danielle Rossell, and Evan Rossell; nine great grandchildren; his siblings, twin brothers, Alfred (Sharon) Rossell of Geneseo, Illinois and Albert (Liz) Rossell of Galesburg and another set of twins, Bill (Rosie) Rosell of Henderson, Illinois and Barb (the late Don) Myrick of Henderson. He was preceded in death by his wife Rita, his parents and two brothers, Terry and Howard Rossell.
Shortly after marrying Rita, he was drafted to the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Upon returning he worked as an electrician for the Admiral/Maytag Corporation. Gene decided then he would go back to school to achieve his GED at Carl Sandburg College. He continued to attend classes, including a welding class that he ended up teaching the lab portion due to his master welding skills. He took great pride in his education and was excited to graduate in his cap and gown at the age of 52.
Gene went on to work as an electrician for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. He had a passion for farming his land and a love for operating heavy equipment, especially a bulldozer. He was always available to help a friend in need. Gene and his son Greg built race cars together for many years. While Greg raced, Gene was the crew chief and the “banker”. Gene was a gun enthusiast and a member of the Knoxville American Legion Post 749. Most of all Gene loved to laugh, have a good time telling stories and drink a beer.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Friday, December 1, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. Entombment will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens with military honors. Memorials may be made to the Knox County Humane Society, Hospice Compassus or Knoxville Legion Post 749. A Celebration of Gene’s life will be from 3:00-7:00 pm Friday at Cedar Creek Hall. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
