Michael Shawn Gilson passed away on Sunday, January 30, 2022. Born May 13, 1959 in Charles City, Iowa, the son of Marvin Michael and Bonnie Joan (Swarts) Gilson. Married to Jennifer Jo Kerr on June 7, 1981 in the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa. Mike grew up in Iowa and later moved to Rockford in 1970. Graduated from Rockford West High School Class of '77. Mike was employed by the Rockford School Board as a Custodian for 25 years, Metro Center and Lowe's. He was a loving husband, father, and papa who loved his family and would do anything for them, LOVED Christmas, his dogs and the Chicago Bears. Survivors include wife of 40 years Jennifer; children, Christopher (Renee) Gilson, Bryan Gilson and daughter Katelyn (Joseph) Maples; grandchildren, Adreienne, Auberie, Hayden, Keagen, Lane and Jace Wybourn; sister Jessica Holmes, brothers Andrew and Joshua (Stephanie) Holmes; Aunt Beverly O'Brien; Uncles Paul and John Gilson; cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Marvin, Bonnie (Gilson) Holmes, Arthur Holmes, grandparents Donald and Erma Gilson, in-laws Robert and Dorothy Kerr and daughter-in-law Courtney (Smith) Gilson. Private graveside service May 13th at Twelve Mile Grove Cemetery. Celebration of life May 14, 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family. Grace Funeral & Cremation Serivces assisted the family, share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com .