Roger Eberly, age 83, of Big Rock passed away Monday morning, December 7, 2020.

He was born May 17, 1937 to Ray and Bertha (Baie) Eberly.

Roger grew up in the Kane and DeKalb county area as a son of a farm hand.  He was always out hustling at an early age making money by detasseling, selling hub caps and greeting cards.  He attended local schools and graduated from Elburn High School, where he was a member of the baseball team there.

Upon graduating, Roger joined the IL National Guard from 1956-1962 where he was deemed a sharp shooter.  Roger also began work at Barber Greene as a tool and die man and later became a foreman in the shop.  His enthusiasm for the outdoors led to being an active member of the Hunting and Fishing club where he spent many years enjoying hunting and fishing with family and friends.

On Dec. 27, 1958 he married the love of his life, Reca.  They met on a blind date and were happily married for 61 years.  They built their first home in Sugar Grove where Roger was a member of the Sugar Grove Young Adult Club and the Volunteer Fire Department where he also ran the ambulance.  On Friday nights, you could see Roger at the Sycamore Speedway motorcycle races as part of the ambulance crew.  Roger was also the Sugar Grove Boys Baseball Commissioner and later established the girls softball league.

Roger later worked for Swift Eckrich manning a machine that puts sausages in boxes.  He was a dedicated worker to the point that his first airplane flight was at the age of 62 to MN to help design his machine that he worked on, to be more efficient.

Roger and Reca eventually moved their family to a farmette in Big Rock.  There he continued to instill the joy of the outdoors and sports to his three children. He would often share fishing and hunting stories with the visitors that would stop by the home.  Sometimes unexpected but always welcomed. There they would discuss fishing hot spots and hunting strategies.

Roger enjoyed hunting, trapping and fishing.  He shared that joy with all his grandchildren and would even have his son and grandson accompany him on fishing and hunting trips over the years.

He was a collector of many, many things and enjoyed garage sales, flea markets and auctions.  You would often see both Roger and Reca out and about in their camouflage looking for the best deals.  They enjoyed the thrill of the hunt but more importantly, the time together.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Ray Martin and Bertha Gertie Emma (Baie) Eberly; his wife’s parents, C. LaVerne and Dorothy Warford; brothers in law, Harold Moberly, Buzz Warford, John Warford; and sisters in law, DoraVern Bell and Birdelle Warford.

Roger is survived by his wife, Reca Mae (Warford) Eberly,  Daughters Rhonda (Jim) Walz of Highland Park, IL,  Roxanne Eberly of Byron, IL,  Son Rodney Eberly of Hinckley, IL

Grandchildren:  Steven Walz of Somerville, MA,  Rachel Walz of Aberdeen, NC,  Aaron Eberly of Sycamore, IL,  Sister Georgia Ann Moberly of Lake Havasu City, AZ

A celebration to honor his life and memory will be held at a later date when it is safe for all to attend.

Please remember to wear a mask and wash your hands.  We are all in this together and all our actions have consequences.  Let’s make sure they are positive ones!

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Roger’s name to promote the joy of fishing to all young anglers, to:
Hinckley Big Rock High School Fishing Club
700 E. Lincoln Highway
Hinckley, IL 60520

Tributes and memories may be left on the Northern Illinois Funeral Home Services website at www.nifsinc.com