Donald M. Hitzke, Sr.

Donald M. Don Hitzke Sr., 89 of Rockford passed away May 16, 2009 in his home surrounded by his family. Born March 14, 1920 in Clintonville, WI, the son of Mark A. and Lillian Rose Esther (Hoppe) Hitzke. Don grew up in Wittenberg, WI and moved to Rockford in 1938. He married Joyce A. Parks in Trinity Lutheran Church in Rockford on April 20, 1944. Don was very proud to serve his country during WWII as First Lt. in the US Army Air Corps. He was a fighter pilot and instructor flying the P-40 and P-47 Thunderbolt Fighters. He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and worked as an engineer for Greenlee Textron for 44 years until his retirement in December of 1983. Don was also a lifetime member and past president of Kepotah Sportsman Club and enjoyed trapshooting and black powder shooting. He loved woodworking, archery, photography, WWI airplane history, nature and traveling the world with his wife Joyce. The family would like to give special thanks to Visiting Nurses Association, Visiting Nurses Hospice and Dons home caregivers for the compassion and care given to their family. Don is survived by his wife Joyce, children Donald M. (Sue) Hitzke Jr., Steven G. (Brenda) Hitzke, Janice G. Pope and Judy L. (William) Reagan. Grandchildren Terri Hitzke, Melissa Hitzke, Christina (Kenneth) Scigulinsky, Chad (Cindy) Pope, Patrick Reagan, Lindsey Reagan, great-grandsons Jackson and Owen and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, two sisters Marjorie Krook and Rosemary Hitzke. A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2009 in St. Paul Lutheran Church, 600 N. Horsman St., Rockford, IL 61101 with Pastor David Thies and Pastor Larry Yaw officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service in the church. Burial to follow in Willwood Burial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church. To express condolences online please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.