Horst Stuhr

Horst "Dutch" Stuhr, 75, Rockford, died Sunday, April 4, 2010, at P.A. Peterson Home. He was born in Hamburg, Germany, on October 23, 1934, the second son of Hans and Frieda Stuhr. Dutch came to Rockford in 1953, where he worked as a tool and die maker. In 1957, he was drafted into the U.S.Army and served in Germany, where he met his wife-to-be, Ruth Merolt. They were married in Munich, Germany on August 5, 1959. After his discharge from the Army, Dutch, Ruth, and their daughter, Gloria, moved back to Rockford, where he continued as a tool and die maker. In 1965, he joined Reliable Machine Company of Rockford as a partner and in the mid 1970s and became sole owner. Dutch was a member of the Masonic Lodge and member of Tebala Shrine.He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ruth; his daughters, Gloria (Charles) Pernacciaro of Rockford and Nadine Stuhr of Park Ridge; grandchildren, Gina Marie and Philip Charles Pernacciaro, both of Rockford. Predeceased by his brother, Ralf. Special thanks to the 3 rd floor staff of PA Peterson Home and Hospice Care of America for their kindness, compassion, and dedication to Dutch. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, April 9, 2010, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:30 PM until 7:30 PM. on Thursday, April 8, and from 9:30 AM until 10:15 AM on Friday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to The American Diabetes Association, 30 N. Michigan Av., Suite 2015, Chicago, IL 60602 or 3 rd floor of P.A. Peterson Home, 1311 Parkview Av, Rockford, IL 61107. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.