Earl Patrick Doherty

Earl Patrick "Pat" Doherty, Loving husband, father and grandfatherEarl Patrick "Pat" Doherty, 77, of Rockford, died on Sunday, June 22, 2008 at his home in the care of his family. He was born on August 2, 1930 in Rockford, the son of Leon and Anne Doherty. He married Lois Bieschke in Rockford on February 11, 1956. Pat worked for American States Insurance Co. as an adjuster and retired after many years. He was in the U.S. Navy and served on the carrier U.S.S. Cabot. Pat was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Lois; children, Patrick Doherty of Rockford, Colleen (Kevin) McQuillan of Naperville, IL, Michael (Georgia) Doherty of Machesney Park, Sean Doherty of Rockford, Maureen (Shaun) Pettit of Glen Ellyn, IL, Daniel (Sue) Doherty of St. Charles, IL, and Kate Doherty of Rockford; grandchildren, Sean and Keegan McQuillan, Aidan, Declan and Brigid Pettit, Quinn, Jack and Kate Doherty; siblings, Paul (Bette) Doherty, Larry (June) Doherty, Marjorie Bengtson, Betty (J.O.) Kopplin, Harry (Char) Doherty, Kathleen (James) North, Eleanor (Gerry) Johnson, Mike Doherty, and Marilyn Wolfe; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, brothers-in-law, Cliff Bengtson, Ron Wolfe, and Bill Dutmer, and sister-in-law, Carol Doherty. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2008, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2323 N. Rockton Ave., with Mgsr. Timothy Doherty officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., with a Christian Wake Service at 8 p.m. Visitation also from 9 a.m. to time of service at church on Thursday. Burial will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to OSF Hospice, 6122 Mulford Village Drive Rockford, IL 61107. To