Andrew C. Leatherby

Andrew C. Leatherby, 49, of Winnebago, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. Born June 20, 1959 in Rockford, son of Richard and Mary (Morgan) Leatherby. Andy graduated from East High School in 1978. He married Susan D. Winkler at Broadway Covenant Church in Rockford on May 10, 1980. As the proud owner of Alpine Softener Corporation, he diligently maintained this family business for 30 years, and was helpful to everyone. Andy was also a member of Heartland Community Church and was formerly a long time active member of Maywood Evangelical Free Church where he happily sang bass in the choir. He was a member of the Antique Outboard Motor Association and a former member of the Water Quality Association. In addition, he had many interests and was a compulsive tinkerer, especially when there was a motor involved. He enjoyed his motorcycle, wooden ski boat and his yearly vacations with family and friends in Minnesota. These traditional vacations totaled an almost consecutive 45 years. Andy had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit. He was always willing to put his family before work and hobbies, as he was a wonderful, caring friend and dad to his children. But above all else, he was first and foremost a faithful, kind and loving husband who will be missed very much. Survivors include his wife, Susan; daughter, Heidi (Zack Lessley) Leatherby, Bozeman, MT; son, Cliff (Maren) Leatherby, Rockford; parents, Richard and Mary Leatherby, Rockford; sister, Nancy (Ted) Mueller, Greenfield, WI; brother, Tom (Debi) Leatherby, Rockford and sister, Kathy Leatherby, Hudson, FL. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dora (Hans) Winkler; brother-in-law, John Winkler (Josie Nolan) and sister-in-law, Vickie (Kyle) Mueller. He was predeceased by his grandparents A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2009 in Maywood Evangelical Free Church with Rev. Scott Nesse officiating. The memorial visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Condolences and remembrances may be sent at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.