Roland A. Edwards

Roland A. Edwards, 71, of Rockford passed away on October 12, 2022. Born April 24, 1951 in Rockford; son of Roland Herbert and Patricia (Marvel) Edwards. Graduate of West High School, 1969 where he played golf, basketball, football and was a member of acapella. Attended Rock Valley College and Bradley University. Roland was employed with Laborers Local 32. United in marriage to Roberta Cowan on February 4, 1995 at Westminster Presbyterian in Rockford. Roland began golfing at the age of 9 and won the first Melvin Ballard Golf Tournament in Rockford at the age of 17. Later in life, he made a hole in one on #13 at Aldeen Golf Course. Roland also liked bowling, and his weekly Thursday night "Boy's Night" with his brothers. He enjoyed gardening, bird watching, cooking, a good cigar and regular trips to the dog park. Roland was the former co-manager of Charlotte's Web. He loved his family and was devoted to his grandkids. He had a beautiful voice and everyone looked forward to his annual singing happy birthday calls. He was completely enamored with his rescue dog of two years, Sam. Roland was proud of his 22 years of sobriety, and a friend of Bill W. Survived by his wife; step-sons, Nate (Alaina Recker) Peterson, Jake (Alyssa) Peterson; grandchildren, Gavin, Jennika, Avigaile, Delani, Emmarie; siblings, Michael Edwards, David (Penny) Edwards, Bradley Edwards, Kim (Glen) Ford, Kathleen Smith, Karen (Garry) McGregor, Kay Lonergan, Diane (Todd) Schwebke; brother-in-law, Chris (Nita) Cowan; sister-in-law, Joanna Gabel; and favorite dog, Sam; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; special friends, Frank (Chris) Genovese, Jeff (Madalyn) Johnson, Pat Kimball, Ronnie (Pam) McFadden, Mike (Jan) Truitt; incredible neighbors, Morey and Ann Washington; and many others. Preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kristine Edwards Zaug; sister-in-law, Kelly Edwards; brothers-in-law, Steve Smith, Joe Lonergan, Bill Gabel; nephew, Eddie Molitor, niece, Amanda Hammack-Garrison; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Ann Cowan. Roland's family is grateful to the ICU team at Javon Bea Mercy Hospital for the valiant effort and excellent care they gave Roland during his stay. Memorial Visitation, Friday October 21, 2022 from 11 am to noon at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main St. Rockford, followed by a Celebration of Life at noon. Pastor Dan Herman will officiate. Live stream of the service can be viewed here: https://my.gather.app/remember/roland-a-edwards Cremation rites will be accorded. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.

Roland A. Edwards

April 24, 1951 - October 12, 2022