Carl E. Gouker Sr., 94, of Byron died on January 21, 2013 in Amberwood Care Center. He was born on January 18, 1919, son of George and Anna (Snyder) Gouker. He attended Byron Schools, and was a WWII veteran, serving in the United States Army Air Corp. He was the oldest graduate from the Rock Valley College Continuing Education GED Program, at the age of 83. United in Marriage to Laurette Paulsen on December 28, 1947. Formerly employed as a Traffic Manager for numerous companies in the Rockford and Freeport area. Survived by his children; Carla Uhrmacher of Lincoln, NE, Carl "Pete" Gouker Jr. of Rockford, Leslie (Douglas) Bouton of Byron, Susan (Philip) Friske of Rockford; grandchildren, Nathan (Brittany) Bouton, Katie (Justin) Bradford, Jack (Cathy) Dickinson, Alex Bouton, Sam Friske, Noah Friske; great-grandchildren, Caroline Bradford, Collin Bouton, and Annabelle Dickinson and three sisters-in-law. Preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers; George and Albert Gouker and sister, Margie Ripplinger. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 220 E. 2nd St. Byron. Father Howard Bartch will officiate. Visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery. Carl's family would like to thank all the caring and supportive staff of Amberwood, Provena St. Anne's, Transitions Hospice and Rockford Memorial Hospital. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.graceFH.com .