Geraldine Bakunowicz

Geraldine Bakunowicz, 82, of Rockford passed away Wednesday, September 04, 2013 in her home. Born March 23, 1931, the daughter of Lloyd and Florence (Troy) Pearson in Rockford. She was a graduate of Muldoon High School, Class of 1948. Geraldine married her loving husband, Waclaw "Wally" Bakunowicz on May 30, 1953, at Camp Roberts, Calif. She worked many years as a census worker. Geraldine was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Rita Catholic Church. She loved her trips to the boat. Geraldine was a very compassionate, selfless and giving person always putting everyone above herself. Her biggest joy was her children, often sharing stories about them and she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survived by her daughter, Mary (Terry) Balagna of Forsyth; sons, James (Regina) of Longview, Wash., John (Lisa) of McFarland, Wisc., and Jeffrey (Beth) of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisc.; grandchildren, Carolyn, Rachel, Jonathan, Alexander, Angela, Teresa, Nicole, Brittany, Haley, Ashlee, Emily, Andrea, Nicholas, Barry, Katie, Noah and Jonah; 10 great-grandchildren and one on the way; sister, Janice (Jon) Swanson and dear friend, Bobbie Davis. Predeceased by her parents, husband, Wally on March 22, 2012 and great-grandson, Luke Shields.

Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Drive. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Saturday, with the Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m. Interment in Arlington Memorial Park.