Roland “Gizmo” D. Marshall, 87, of Rochester, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, who remained faithfully by his side caring for him until his last breath.

Born in Springfield on July 18, 1938, to Frank and Lucy Marshall, Giz lived a life defined by kindness, hard work, generosity, and devotion to those he loved. Though his given name was Roland, few people knew him by anything other than Gizmo, a nickname earned in childhood when he took apart and successfully rebuilt a radio. It was a fitting name for a man who could seemingly fix, build, or improve just about anything he touched.

In fact, mentioning the name Gizmo was enough to bring immediate recognition. Faces would light up as people recalled the man with the infectious laugh, bright smile, steady hands, and generous heart. He never met a stranger and never hesitated to lend his time, talents, or wisdom to someone in need.

Giz attended Cathedral Grade School and Lanphier High School, where he excelled in football and wrestling. Upon graduation, he attended Illinois Wesleyan University on an athletic scholarship. His natural gift for problem-solving and building led him to a nearly 40-year career with the Illinois Department of Transportation, where he retired as Facilities Manager. Throughout his years with IDOT, his big smile and kind greetings brightened the day of everyone he encountered. Along with being a regular Monday night poker player, he remained active playing on the IDOT softball team, where every season seemed to be followed by “just one more year”.

After retirement, those who knew him often joked that he never really stopped working—he simply stopped accepting a paycheck. Whether repairing something for a friend, helping a family member with a project, or teaching someone a new skill, Giz was happy when he was creating, fixing, or helping.

Retirement ushered in the happiest chapter of his life. Alongside his beloved wife, Cindy, he traveled the country by motorhome, creating memories and adventures together. Yet no destination ever rivaled the place he loved most: the wooded home he built with his own two hands. There, among the trees and wildlife, Giz and Cindy found peace and purpose. He could spend an entire day tending the land, watching deer and turkey wander through the woods, organizing his tools, caring for the dogs, cutting the grass and picking up sticks, eating Twinkies and feeding the birds.

The woods were a reflection of the life he built and the gathering place for family. Whether it was toasting Eggo waffles, sharing a coin, flashlight, tape measure, fishing pole or other tool—of which he had multiples—making hoot owl expressions, speaking in his own Italian or slipping into his best Goofy voice, he took great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren, making each of them feel loved and important.

Giz was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lucy Marshall; his beloved son, David Marshall; and his brother, Donald Marshall.

He leaves behind his wife, Cindy Marshall of Rochester; his children, Jeff Marshall, Lynn Jackson (Jeffrey), Meghan Melton (Scott), Molly Chapman, and Kirby Broyles (Sara); his grandchildren, Jayana, Marlana, Cali, Alyssa, Emily, Emma Jane, Zackary, Matthew, Jack, Joe, and Katelynn; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and his faithful dogs, Willie and Lucy.

Though his family will miss him deeply, they find comfort in knowing that the legacy he leaves behind is far greater than anything he ever built with his hands. A life so well lived can never truly be lost. It simply continues in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love him. Somewhere, his family likes to imagine, there is a well-worn bench beneath the trees, with cracked peanut shells below and birds singing overhead, a faithful dog nearby waiting for a treat, and Giz smiling- looking into their eyes- as he calls them sweetheart.

Cremation services are being recorded.

Visitation will be held at Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 East Main Street, Rochester, Illinois, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with committal services immediately afterward at Rochester Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Protective League (APL), 1001 Taintor Rd, Springfield, IL 62702, in memory of Giz Marshall.