Clifford Gilbert

CLIFFORD “BUTCH” GILBERT, SR. – age 76 of Oregon, IL peacefully passed from this life Friday, April 22, 2022, at home following a 4+ year battle with ALS. He was born on May 17, 1945 in Oregon, IL to Orville and Marcella Gilbert. He was a 1964 graduate of Oregon High School. He married Shirley (King) Henson on Dec. 14, 2007. Butch retired from Chrysler in Belvidere after 40 years. Butch loved life. He loved his family and he loved people. He never met a stranger and if you met him, you never forgot him. He was a passionate lotto enthusiast, always hoping to “win big”, but not for himself, only so he could give it to everyone he loved. His family describes him as the most selfless, loving, caring, honest, most hard-working, generous man there ever was. There was never a time he didn’t tell you that he loved you, or rarely a time he wasn’t smiling and happy.  He was a lover of classic country music with an extensive memory for all the lyrics, always singing to everyone, everywhere! He enjoyed gardening and of course sharing his crop with all.  He was a proud blood donor, giving over 15 gallons in his lifetime.  Growing up, he was the 8th of 12 children and will forever be remembered as the protector and hero to his 9 sisters. He fought a terrible disease, but he never let it defeat him, he didn’t let it steal his joy for living.  Those he will join in heaven include his son, Brian Gilbert, Grandson Nathan Pretzsch, his parents, two brothers and six sisters. Those left to remember him are his wife, his children Vonda Pretzsch, Clifford “Ollie” Gilbert, Jr, both of Mt. Morris, and Megan (Scott) Little of Sterling; his granddaughters Brittney Pretzsch and Desiree Gilbert, and GrandDog Bam Bam.  Great Grandchildren Kloie, Conner, Levi and Arianna Pretzsch; Shirley’s children Teresa (Charles) Portner, Lori (Mike) Reynolds, Norma (Glen) Ford and Ronnie (Christine) Henson, 3 sisters Edith (Tim) Singley, Viola Phillips and LaVonne Taylor; 40 beloved nieces and nephews, and a host of other cherished relatives. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Wednesday April 27 at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home, Oregon, IL with Pastor Rick Eldred of East Oregon Chapel officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 26, 2022 from 5-7pm.  Burial will be in Daysville Cemetery, Oregon. A memorial fund will be established in his name.  The family would like to thank Serenity House Hospice staff and especially nurse Shelia for her compassionate care and kindness.