Michael Landers

Michael R. Landers, 69, of Freeport, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday June 3, 2011. Michael was born on April 1, 1942 in LaSalle, IL. Son of Raymond and Inez (Etzbach) Landers of Utica, IL. He married Sylvia (Gradozzi) on April 12, 1969. Michael graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1965 and accepted a position with Sundstrand Corporation in Rockford. He also entered the Army with the National Guard. In 1971, he was hired as Controller at Furst-McNess Company in Freeport, later becoming Vice President of Finance and Administration, Secretary-Treasurer and Director. He was also a Director at W.E. Kautenberg Company (a subsidiary). In 1986, Michael joined Drives Inc. in Fulton, Il as Vice President of Financing and Treasurer. He joined ownership of Drives Inc. in 2003 until his retirement in 2007. With his entrepreneurial spirit, Michael and Sylvia started a family business, SML Enterprises, Inc. He was very involved in different organizations within the community. In 1968, he helped get Junior Achievement program started in Rockford. He served as President on the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of Freeport Country Club, Director of United Way of Freeport and was a member of the Kiwanis Club. He served on many Boards over the years, including Freeport Memorial Hospital Board in 1983. He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church of Freeport. Michael'™s greatest love in life was his wife, Sylvia (Gradozzi) of 42 years. Together they built a life of love, compassion and joy. Michael believed in family, honesty and hard work. He touched many lives over his years and was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend. He lived and loved every minute of every day, enjoying his children, grandchildren and wonderful friends. His hobbies included playing racquetball, tennis and golf. He loved to travel and spend time with the people he loved. Left to honor his memory, accept his wisdom and remember his laughter are his wife-Sylvia(Gradozzi); Son-David (Lynette) Landers of Lexington, SC, Daughters- Kristine of Irvine, CA, and Amy (Jim) Bacher of Gilbert, AZ. Grandchildren- Ethan and Megan Landers. Brother- Brian (Joan) Landers of Shorewood, IL, Brother in laws-Dominic (Earlene) Gradozzi and Jasper Rotello, Rockford, IL. Nephews- Sean and Mark Landers, Dominic Gradozzi Jr., Joe and Jason (Abbie) Rotello, Scott (Sarah), Steve (Wendy) and Mike Sigler. Nieces- Tami (Mickey) Goral, Michelle (Ted) Gaffney and Beth Landers. Also surviving are many great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Inez and Raymond Landers, parents-in-law Adolph and Dorothy Gradozzi, sisters-in-law Pamela Rotello and Cynthia Sigler and brother-in-law, Gary Sigler. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday June 9, 2011 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church with Father Arturo Mallari officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday evening 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. There will be a scripture service Wednesday at 7:00 P.M. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service Thursday at St. Thomas. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Michael'™s memory. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign the online guestbook.