Kenneth Harold Blanchard

Kenneth Harold Blanchard, 81 of Rockford died Friday, April 6, 2007 at his home. Born October 2, 1925 in Byron, Il to Spencer H. and Eva O. Etes Blanchard- Stine. He married his loving wife Joyce LaRue on September 27, 1952. Kenneth served in the Army Air Force during WWII in Italy and North Africa. He was a member of the Byron VFW and American Legion. He was also a member of the Wally Byam Caravan Club. Kenneth was a member of the Carpenters Local 792 and was a Millwright. Kenneth was the oldest of fourteen children. Survived by his sisters Frances (Bernard) Buird, Ellen (Robert) Karstunen, Cheryl Jean (James) Mattingley all of Florida; Leta Woolbright, Stillman Valley;nbsp; and Marjorie (Allen) Todd, Kelliher, MN. Brother Charles (Sue) Blanchard, Mt. Morris. Numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and brothers Spencer Jr., Gerald, Herbert and Robert. Sisters Shirley Blanchard, Mable Johnson and Wanda Holeton. A special thank you to the St. Anthony hospital nursing staff, Dr. Bernard OMalley and his nurse Mary; Dr. George Brian and his nurse Lisa; Dr. Mark Cormier and his nurse Cheryl. Funeral Service at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 11, 2007 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., with Reverend Eric Geil of Kishwaukee Community Presbyterian Church officiating.nbsp; Interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens.nbsp; Visitation on Monday evening, April 9, 2007, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to service.nbsp; In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to OSF St. Anthony Hospice.nbsp; To express online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.