Gerald D. Roberts, 93, of Penfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
Gerald was born on July 9, 1932, at Lake View Hospital, Danville, IL, a son of Everette (Dutch) and Lavona (Creighton) Roberts. He married Genevieve Miller on June 1, 1958, at Bismarck Christian Church in Bismarck.
He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda (Paul) Sullivan of Burlington, WI, two sons, Tracy (Dana) of Burlington, WI and Larry (Shelly) of Penfield, six grandchildren, Candace Freeman, Cory (Jami) Roberts, Kami (Michael) Rademacher, Alex (Kelsey) Sullivan, Jake (Amanda) Sullivan, and Casey (Matt) Balkowski, eleven great-grandsons, Landon, Carter, Traxton, Brocktyn, Kashton, Rexley, Brekyn, Grayden, Lukas, Jordan and Peter and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Genny, and brother Dwight.
Gerald graduated from Armstrong Township High School as valedictorian of the class of 1950. He started farming with his dad and took over the farm north of Gifford the next year. He was drafted in 1953 and served 2 years in Korea being discharged as a Sergeant. In 1970 he moved to farm north of Penfield where Larry’s family carries on the legacy of Roberts’ Farms today.
Gerald was a member of the #10 Church of Christ and served on church boards, Gifford elevator board, Penfield Grade School Board, Champaign County PCA Board, Champaign County Farm Bureau Board, Illini FS Board and Champaign County Zoning Board. He valued the many friendships he made throughout his life.
Gerald’s family, farming, and his faith were the mainstays of his life. He enjoyed farming regardless of the season, but harvest was the highlight of the year for him. There was something about the long hours and rush to get the crops out that made him continue farming for over 70 years.
He spent many hours following the activities of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons which made him a proud grandpa. Only church on Sunday and family activities could make him take a break from farming.
Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the #10 Church of Christ, 27019 N 470 East Rd, Potomac, IL, followed immediately by a celebration of life service at 12:00 pm led by Pastor Gary Davis. Burial will take place following the service at Partlow Cemetery, Armstrong. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, to assist them in honoring Gerald’s life.
Memorial donations can be made to the Number 10 Church of Christ, 4402 East 2800 North Road, Potomac, IL, 61865, in Gerald’s memory.
Condolences or memories may be shared with the family at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.