Emory J. Meads

Emory J. Meads, 90, of Rockford passed away Sunday, July 26, 2009. Born February 25, 1919 in Lancaster, Illinois, the son of James M. and Annie (Pfile) Meads. Emory married the love of his life Sabina Bollinger in 1938; they had been married for 63 years at the time of her death. His loving care and devotion for Sabina during her lengthy illness was an inspiration to all who knew him. Emory was a member of the Cathedral of St. Peter. He owned and operated Emorys Quality Market for 37 years. Ahead of his time, he offered delivery service to his customers and the market was a neighborhood mainstay on Grant Avenue. If you wanted a great steak you called Emory. He was an avid golfer at Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club and enjoyed collecting golf memorabilia. Yard work and gardening were favorite past times upon retirement. As much as Emory enjoyed these things, his greatest loves were his family, God and many special friends. He is survived by his loving daughters Mary Jean (Charles) Voigt, Betty (Terry) Huss, Patty (Mark) Lee, Barb Meads, 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, wife, daughter Ann, two brothers and one sister. The family would like to give a special thank you to River Bluff for the care they provided to Emory, and thank you to all the special friends he made during his time there. Funeral Mass will be Friday, July 31, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. Peter with the Rev. Kenneth Wasilewski officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, July 29, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. with a Christian Wake Service beginning at 7:45 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9:00 a.m. Friday until time of Mass in the Cathedral. Interment to follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to River Bluff Nursing Home, 4401 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61103 or the Freeport Mennonite Church, 3416 E. Brick School Rd., Freeport, IL. To express condolences online please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.