Carl J. Waldsmith

Carl J. Waldsmith, 71, Machesney Park, died at 12:02 A.M. Saturday, November 6, 2010 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born August 23, 1939 in Rockford, son of Gerald J. and Dorothy V. Klein Waldsmith. Graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1958. He married Rotha M. Barton in St. Patrick Catholic Church on October 1, 1960, having just celebrated their 50 th wedding anniversary. His entire career was involvement with the family business, Waldsmith Illustrators, that until its recent closing, had been a Rockford business since 1931.Very active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Patrick Council No.14373. In earlier years he had been a volunteer for the Civil Air Patrol and for many years had been an officer in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was proudly involved with the soup kitchen at the Jubilee Center and was a member of the St. Ambrogio Society, Verdi Club and the Kepotah Sportsman Club. Carl was a devoted Catholic, a loving and caring family man and a kind friend to all. Survivors include his wife, Rotha; son, Randy; daughter, Loriann (Melvin Pillsbury) Waldsmith and Alyssa K. Waldsmith; grandchildren, Rachel (Matt Koch), Stephanie (Mickey Gilliam), Amanda and Keith. Also survived by his great-grandchildren, Rashawn, Aiden and Raelynn; sister, Dawn (Don) Linstead, brothers, Richard (Sally) Waldsmith, Allan (Sylvia) Waldsmith; numerous nieces, nephews and his extended family, Nancy Snow, Corey Snow and Jackie Owen as well as many friends who were dear to his heart. Predeceased by his parents, great-grandson Stephawn and several aunts and uncles. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 11, 2010 in St. Patrick Catholic Church with Rev. Ricardo Hernandez officiating. Visitation from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:30 p.m. Visitation also from 10 a.m. until time of the Mass at the church on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Patrick Catholic Church. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.