Garry George Rothenberg August 17, 1948 - May 20, 2023

Sharon Ann Rothenberg (nee Gemmell) June 30, 1949 - February 27, 2024

Garry and Sharon passed peacefully, less than a year apart, each surrounded by their loving family. Garry, known by Sharon as Puddin', and Sharon, known by Garry as Toots, were married in July of 1987 and began a 36 year journey exemplifying everlasting love, unwavering commitment, and true devotion to each other. Garry and Sharon first met when Sharon's car broke down in a parking lot, and Garry came to her rescue, at least that's the story they told. We will just go with it. Garry, an Army Veteran and avid sports fan throughout his life, could be found in the early morning hours catching up on the Cubs stats, working his way through a 1000 piece puzzle, or tending to his yard and garden. Sharon, on the other hand, could be found up late in the evening shopping for unique handmade gifts for her loved ones, journaling, and catching up on her favorite shows. Garry and Sharon most looked forward to their trips to Shipshewana where they adventured through amish stores and feasted on their favorite pies. Garry's favorite was Strawberry Rhubarb and Sharon's was Lemon Supreme. Garry and Sharon both possessed a gentle and kind nature which shined the brightest when they were together and with family. Garry was quick with a joke which he delivered in his quiet and understated way but also packed a punch and left those around him laughing. Sharon was caring and compassionate, but even she found humor in Garry's playful jabs. Garry and Sharon expressed their love for each other through thoughtfully written cards just because, flowers and small gifts, being each other's person and best friend always, showing care and compassion for each other in every decision, and truly valuing each other for who they were. Together they weathered the storms of life and all of the beautiful moments side by side and forever grateful to have each other.

Upon their marriage, Garry and Sharon lovingly blended their families and created many cherished memories over the years. Garry enjoyed fishing, going to Blackhawks games and Cubs games, talking sports, and playfully bantering with his son. Garry and Steve had a strong connection rooted in their love for one another and the pride they felt in having the honor of calling each other father and son. Sharon enjoyed crafting, shopping, watching movies, and simply spending time with her daughter. Sharon loved deeply, especially when it came to Denise, and she treasured their time together feeling grateful for Denise's companionship and support. Sharon also always looked forward to time with her sisters just visiting or shopping. Both Sharon and Garry enjoyed spending time with their children, but they loved spending time with their grandchildren. They attended sporting events, dance recitals, and Veteran's Day celebrations at school to name a few. They cherished time at home with their grandchildren playing and hosting sleepovers. Sharon and Garry both valued the small things in life and liked to keep it simple to focus on creating meaningful memories through spending quality time with the people they loved.

Garry is survived by the love of his life, Sharon Rothenberg (Gemmell), his loving son Steven (Ashley) Rothenberg, bonus daughters Denise (Matt) Spiller and Gina (Clint) Roemer, cherished grandchildren Grayson Rothenberg, Gavin Spiller, Dylan Jones, Kaden Spiller, Mackenzie Kramer, and Connor Roemer, twin brother Larry (Mary) Rothenberg, brother Kurt Rothenberg, sister Lynette Bickell, sister-in-laws Patty (Ziggy) Pluciennik and Cheryl (Don) Surprenant, and many nieces and nephews. Garry was preceded in death by his father Leonard Rothenberg and his mother Velma Rothchild (Lorenz) along with his father-in-law James Gemmell and mother-in-law Bettie Gemmell (Jones).

Sharon is survived by her loving daughter Denise (Matt) Spiller, bonus son Steve (Ashley) Rothenberg, bonus daughter Gina (Clint) Roemer, cherished grandchildren Gavin Spiller, Kaden Spiller, Grayson Rothenberg, Mackenzie Kramer, Dylan Jones, and Connor Roemer, devoted sisters Cheryl (Don) Surprenant, Patty (Ziggy) Pluciennik, Karen Gillman, and Bettie Ann Gemmell, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Sharon was preceded in death by the love of her life Garry Rothenberg, father James Gemmell, mother Bettie Gemmell (Jones), mother-in-law Velma Rothchild (Lorenz) and father-in-law Leonard Rothenberg.

Garry and Sharon will be reunited at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.