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Roger E. Ainsworth, 89, of Belvidere, IL passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, July 5, 2022, in Park Place of Belvidere, IL. Roger was born August 19, 1932, in Belvidere, IL the son of Floyd and Leah (Blodgett) Ainsworth. He graduated with the Belvidere High School class of 1950. He married his loving wife, Carmen Lugar on October 10, 1959, and to this union they would be blessed with two children. Roger was a hard worker. He worked for Rockford Local 31 as a bricklayer for 18 years, and then spent 15 years working for Starline industries; before closing his career with the Illinois Tollway Authority, where he worked for 11 years. Roger loved the outdoors; he was a member of Bel-Stone Sportsmen Club, as well as the Harvard Moose. He was a certified Hunters Safety instructor for 35 years. He enjoyed walking his dog Casey in the park and teaching his grandkids about birds and all things in nature. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and enjoyed photography and birdwatching. Roger was also a former Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the Rockford Area in 1952. Roger was a patriot who served our country in the United States Naval Reserve Fleet and Air for 10 years.

Roger is loved and will be missed by his son, Shawn (Trudi) Ainsworth; granddaughters, Alexandra (Adam) Beranek, Jenna (Tyler) Preston, Kendyl Ainsworth; sister in-law, Nitelle (Dennis) Lading; brother in-law, Jerry Lugar. Roger is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carmen Ainsworth; son, Shannon Ainsworth, and infant sister, Patricia Ainsworth.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Avenue, Belvidere, IL with Rev. Jim Bell, pastor of First United Methodist Church officiating. Private burial in Belvidere Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. A memorial fund will be established in Roger's name.