William “Roger” Furlong, 77, of Galena, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at his home. He was born November 3, 1946, in Galena, Illinois, the son of William and Camilla (Reed) Furlong. He married Linda Pfohl on December 12, 1970, at Nativity BVM Church in East Dubuque, Illinois.

Roger graduated from Scales Mound High School with the class of 1964. He served his country in the United States Army from February 13, 1966, to February 13, 1968. After an honorable discharge, he worked at the Galena Lumber Co., and went on to manage the Hoskins Lumber Company in Elizabeth, Illinois. He worked with his father in construction and later started his own business, Furlong Construction, which he ran until his retirement.

In his spare time, he loved working on and driving his 1968 red Ford Mustang.

He loved the Galena Pirates and kept high school football stats for thirty years. During his last years on the sidelines, his sons, daughter, son-in-law, grandsons, and granddaughter helped keep stats alongside him.

Roger’s greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. He loved going to their games.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughter, JoAnn (Christopher) Garza; sons, Michael (Tracy) Furlong and Scott (Kayla) Furlong; six grandchildren, Alexis and Zachary Garza; Jacob, Emma, and Claire Furlong; and Khiley Furlong; and his brother, Ron (Janice) Furlong.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert “Bobby” Furlong.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no services. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Turner Hall at 115 S. Bench Street, Galena, Illinois, on February 10, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. Per his instructions, we are going to “just think of the good times and play country music–the old stuff.”

The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank Midwest Medical Center, Mercy of Iowa City, University of Iowa Hospital, Hospice of Dubuque—especially Jennifer and Amber, Galena Area Emergency Medical Services, Galena Fire Department, Galena Police Department, Scales Mound Fire Protection District, and Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office for their compassionate care and assistance.