ROCHELLE — Michael Stephen Geralds, 34, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2019 in Rochelle.  Michael was born on Oct. 15, 1984 to Donald and Deborah (Williams) Geralds in Rockford.  
He was employed at Gardner Products in Rochelle as a welder and machinist. Michael married Johana Garza on Aug. 12, 2013 in Oregon. He attended and was a member with his family at First Baptist Church in Rochelle.
Michael loved his family; one of his favorite past times with them was swimming at Lake LaDonna in Oregon. He enjoyed fishing for catfish, drawing his children’s names and golfing; he was a member of the Rochelle Township High School golf team in 1999 and 2000. He was known to sing along to George Jones and Waylon Jennings and loved listening to the gospel group, The McKameys.
Michael loved the Lord and his favorite Bible passage was James 4:5-10, “Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace.  Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
He is preceded in death by his mother, Debbie Geralds; grandfather, James Williams; grandmother, Betty White; and his favorite pet, a chocolate lab named Waylon.
Michael is survived by his wife, Johana; five children, Marinia age 12, Eternity age 10, Danielle age 8, Michael James age 5 and Sebastian age 3; his father, Don Geralds; mother-in-law, Maria Guzman; three brothers, Donny, David and Jeffery; one niece and three nephews on his side and two nieces and five nephews on his wife’s side.
Michael will forever be loved and missed by his family.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 at the First Baptist Church, 810 Woolf Court, Rochelle.  The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. on Thursday with Pastor Doug Cowan officiating.  Cremation care has been accorded.  
Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.