Dr. George D. Aschenbrenner

Dr. George Douglas Aschenbrenner, 85, passed away on March 6, 2017, in Rockford. Born January 24, 1932 in Dixon, Ill., he was the son of George W. and Mary Anne (Curran) Aschenbrenner. A graduate of Dixon High School, George went on to receive bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He later earned a doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University. George served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Verdun, France. He settled in Rockford in the late 1950s and began his nearly 40-year career with the Rockford Public Schools. He taught English and social studies in many Rockford middle and high schools, including Jefferson, Auburn, Kennedy and West. He also served as Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education. As a lifelong educator, George took great pride in and built strong friendships with former students, including the many he taught to speak English as their second language. On August 6, 1960, George married Mary T. Bachrodt at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Rockford. They were married for 47 years until her death on Dec. 28, 2007. Although his professional achievements were many, George’s greatest accomplishments were as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by daughters Anne (Tim) Sadler and Amy (Steve) Brei and granddaughter Emily Sadler. He is also survived by brother-in-law Paul Bachrodt, sisters-in-law Eileen Bates, Margie Muelhaupt and Helen Erickson, many nieces and nephews and dear friends Don and Suzanne Stocker. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Sally Ann Devine and Mary Joan Aschenbrenner. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Anam Glen for their kind and compassionate care of George over the past three years, as well as Northern Illinois Hospice for providing excellent care and comfort to George during his last few weeks. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 9 at St. Bridget Catholic Church. 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, with a visitation at the church beginning at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Northern Illinois Hospice, 4215 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL 61108. Fitzgerald Funeral Home Mulford Chapel assisted the family with arrangements.