Carl L. Washburn

Carl L. WashburnA Life well lived and indeed the best he could do! Carl Lyle Washubrn, 74 passed away with his loving wife by his side on Monday, July 30, 2007. Carl was born September 18, 1932 in Iowa County, WI to Wesley E. and Anna M. (Frolik) Washburn. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Livingston, WI High School in 1950. Carl served in the Army from 1953 1955 at Holliman Air Force Base, White Sands New Mexico as a radar Technician. Having made a stopover in Rockford, IL on the way home from the Army, Carl met a firefighter and became aware of the career that he would have for 26 ½ years. He joined the Rockford Fire Department on May 17, 1956 and rose through the ranks and retired December 29, 1982 as a Deputy Chief. Carl married Carol J. McNinch in Rock Falls on March 24, 1956. Together they raised four children. Carls hobbies over the years included small engine repairs, working on cars, crossword puzzles, reading dictionaries and vacationing at the farm. After retiring from the Fire Dept. he worked for the State of Illinois Highway Dept and added to his list of hobbies. He became computer savvy, enjoyed trap shooting, pocket watch collecting and repair, wood working and walking his beloved dogs Rufus, Zaquery, Isaac, and Draco. He and Carol loved to travel and took several cruises and trips to Belgium and England. Carl is survived by his wife of 51 years Carol; his children Mark (Sue), Lynn (Dean) Livingston, Scott (Kim), and Karen Siden and Brian Siden; grandchildren, Amanda, James, Kris, Katelyn, Rebecca, Adam, Abigail, Anna, Erik and Justin; brothers and sisters, Francis, Ruth, Fred, Gene and Beulah; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and uncle, Glenn. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Robert Livingston and granddaughter, Nicole Washburn. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2007 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel 3910 N. Rockton Ave. at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. William R. Wentink officiating. Interment will be held in Arlington Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 3 in the funeral home from 5-8 p.m. and will continue on Saturday from 10-10:45. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established at a later date.