Donald Pedrick

Donald L. Pedrick, 85, Rockford, transcended to the next level of existence on October 11, 2013, in Rockford. He was born on June 29, 1928, in Woodbury, New Jersey. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1950-1952, and moved to the Midwest in 1953. From 1966 to 1973, Donald was a teacher in Rockford at the Atwood Outdoor Education Center and Marsh School, and 3 years in New Jersey. He was Community Action Child Care Director in Springfield. Later Donald worked in the foster care program in Rockford Office of DCFS, retiring in 1990. In retirement, Donald worked part-time at the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Klehm Arboretum, and volunteered for several local not-for-profit organizations. He is survived by his son, Christopher (Anne) of Woodstown, New Jersey; granddaughters, Katherine of Newark, Delaware and Jessie of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and son, Jonathan, of Archbald, Pennsylvania. Special thanks to Dr. Eric Trautmann, the staff at SwedishAmerican Hospital, and the Amberwood Care Center staff for their many kindnesses. Donald also wishes to recognize those who made his quality of life fun and comfortable in his later life. They include Cyndie, Vickie, Suzy, Kathy, Gina, Laura, Char, Sally, Dale, and all the other members of the "Ides of March Band of Unsociables", and his friends at Skyrise Apartments and Heritage Woods. Per Donald's wishes, there will be cremation with no formal services. Donald asks to be remembered in private prayers or meditations and requests donations to Severson Dells in lieu of flowers. Friends will gather at Thunder Bay Grille, 7652 Potawatomi Trail (East State St. and Bell School Rd.), from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2013, Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. assisted the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.