C. Fred Avery

C. Fred Avery, 85 of Rockford, IL passed away Monday, February 18, 2013 at Grand Victorian. Born September 20, 1927 in Crookston, Minn. the son of Carl F. Sr. and E. Ruth (Law) Avery, he graduated from West High School class of 1945 and entered into the US Navy. Fred was honorably discharged on July 30, 1946 and on December 14, 1946 he married his loving wife, Jackie Ellis in Rockford. He was the director of Diagnostic Research and Development for Marion Laboratories where he was proud to have earned 17 patents from the US Government for his inventions in analytical cultures and first aid devices. After working for several years he officially retired on September 30, 1986. A faithful member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church where he devoted much of his time tending to the facilities and grounds. He also took time to cheer on his Chicago Bears, Cubs and Bulls and was an avid reader. He was a brilliant, inventive, devoted and loving man who will be missed dearly by all. Survivors include his wife, Jackie of Rockford; sons, Thomas (Mary) of Ripon, WI, Glenn (Vicki) of Janesville, WI and Ross (Patti) of LaGrange Park, IL ; grandchildren, Kate (Todd) Milykovic, Dylan (Erin Alabaugh) Avery, Ryan (Rachael Thiel) Avery, Jason (Julieanne) Rieker, Jordan (Julie) Rieker, Rob (Erin) Avery, Benjamin, Noah, Ezra and Lydia Avery; great grandchildren, Ryder, Brooklyn and Landon; brotherinlaw, Roger (Jo Ellyn) Ellis of Rockford; nieces, Kathleen and Karen and nephew, Mark. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial service Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 4700 Augustana Dr. with Rev. Kenneth Storck officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in his name to the church. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford chapel is assisting the family.