Gordon "Corky" Roach Jr.

Gordon "Corky" Roach Jr., of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 79 years old. A memorial visitation to honor his life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll. A memorial fund has been established in his memory.

Born on June 19, 1945, Corky was the beloved son of Gordon Sr. and Katherine (Belous) Roach. His lifelong nickname was affectionately derived from his father, "Cork”. Corky grew up in Maybee, Michigan, before the family moved to Dekalb, Illinois. He graduated from Dekalb High School in 1963, excelling as a wrestler and golfer, and was ranked second in Illinois for wrestling during his senior year.

High school brought Corky his greatest treasure—his lifelong sweetheart, Mary Heinisch. They married on January 28, 1967, and shared an extraordinary 56 years of love and family. Together, they raised three children and, thirty years ago, found their home in Mt. Carroll.

Corky was an electrician by trade, but his greatest passions revolved around his family and sports. A dedicated father and grandfather, he instilled in his children a deep love for wrestling and supported their athletic endeavors with unwavering enthusiasm. Corky was a constant presence at meets and games, cheering with pride and ensuring his family stayed active and connected.

In his later years, Corky enjoyed tending his vegetable garden and indulging in his love of Western films. A private man by nature, he shared a boundless warmth and dedication with those he held dear, embodying a life centered on love, family, and cherished traditions.

Corky will be deeply missed by his devoted wife, Mary Roach, of Mt. Carroll; his children, Katie (Brian) Allison of Ridott, Illinois, Matthew (Stacey) Roach of Dekalb, Illinois, and Mark (Laura) Roach of Sabula, Iowa; and his eleven grandchildren: Alex (Sam Davidson) Roach, Nick (Hunter Lock) Roach, Logan Roach, Brian Roach, Shelby (Kyle) Nieman, Abigail Baker, Aaron (Jamie Griffith) Hayward, Tim Roach, Grace (Colton) Lane, Jacob Allison, and Emily Allison. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Bronson, David, Elise, Blake, Brantley, and Cole; his sister-in-law, Kathie Roach of Sycamore, Illinois; and two nephews, Doug Roach, and Jamie Roach.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Sr. and Katherine, his brothers, Patrick and Timothy, and his stepmother, Mary “Bubba” Roach.

Corky’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, a testament to a life well-lived and a family well-loved.