Earl Francis North

Earl Francis North, Jr. 78, died peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2009, with his family by his side, at OSF St Anthony Medical Center. Born August 4, 1930 in Freeport the son of Earl F. and Florence (Polhill) North, Sr. Married his loving wife of 58 years, Gloria Hagberg, in 1951. Worked for WF & John Barnes for 30 years, Value Machine and Crown Manufacturing, from which he retired, as a manufacturing engineer.  Earl was a member of Redeemer Lutheran church and a Boy Scout Leader. He was an analytical thinker who could always figure out the best way to fix something, whether it be tinkering on his car or fixing something around the house. He truly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Earl loved camping, was an avid Bears, Cubs and NASCAR fan and he also enjoyed listening to country music. Survivors include his wife, Gloria of Loves Park; children, Steve (Cheryl), Stu (Salome`), Stan (Tammy), Sandy (Cary) Johnson all of Rockford and Scott of Chandler, AZ; 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild on the way; brother, Jim (Kathy) of Rockford; sister, Mary Ann Basile of FL and special friends Vida and Wayne and Paul and Greta. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Teresa North. The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Dennis Norem and his staff for all the wonderful care and support they have provided to the family. Funeral Service Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 827 16th St., Rockford, IL with Rev. Stephen J. Klemp officiating. Visitation on Saturday at church from 11-1 p.m. Cremation rites to be accorded following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials to: Wisconsin Parkinson Association 945 North 12th Street, Suite 4602Milwaukee, WI 53233 or Redeemer Lutheran Radio Mission