Roger Gail Rainwater

ROCKFORD – Roger Gail Rainwater, age 70, of Rockford passed away peacefully at home Friday, April 4, 2025. Born in Rockford, Illinois on April 13, 1954 to Thomas & Janet (Holm) Rainwater. As a young man Roger enjoyed working on and driving fast cars, often causing chaos up and down the 11th Street corridor. A hard worker his entire life, he learned the trades from his dad and after graduating from Jefferson High School went on to complete a 4 year apprenticeship through Rock Valley College. He was hired into Linden Industrial doing millwright work, eventually leaving to have a long career at Area Erectors as an ironworker, then retiring from Area Rigging and Millwright Services. Roger loved his work and was very proud to be a part of the Millwright Local 2158 and the Ironworkers Local 498. Over the years he led a full life spending time with his friends and family. He enjoyed boating, hanging out at the local dive bars, singing Sweet Home Chicago on karaoke, going out for dinner with his buddies and blowing out his speakers listening to Sunday Morning Blues.

Roger is survived by his daughter, Michelle (James) Horsley; former-wife and devoted friend, Debbie Rainwater; mother, Janet Rainwater; brothers, Ron (Marilyn) Rainwater and Randy (Nancy) Rainwater; grandson, Nathaniel Horsley; and numerous nieces & nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his father, Thomas "Joker" Rainwater; former in-laws; Ernest & Mildred Ross; and best friends, Neil "Bones" Carlson and Graham "Grambo" Smith.

Services are Private. Cremation rites accorded. Christenson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Memorials to the family.

www.rockfordfunerals.com