Ian G. Proudfoot

Ian Graham Proudfoot, 87, of Rockford, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on January 17, 2021. He was a Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle and Mentor whose selfless and steadfast nature provided an insightful Role Model to many. His wisdom and balance brought many valuable lessons to all that were blessed to know him.

He was born in Winnebago, IL on March 26, 1933, to Harry GW and Dorothy M (Annon) Proudfoot and graduated from West High School in 1951.

He joined the Navy in 1952. He served as an Electricians Mate Third Class aboard the USS Munsee and the USS Kansas and was honorably discharged in 1954.
He attended Rockford College as an engineering student and worked at Barnes Drill Company where he met his future wife of 65 years. In 1957 he began his 40-year career at Barker Rockford Company where he was the first employee hired. During his tenure, they were awarded "Small Business of the Year" and top 10 distributors for the fluid power division of Parker-Hannifin. He was also a leader and consultant in the machine tool industry and joined many organizations in that field. He retired in 1997 as the company's Vice President.
His support as the manager for his son's hockey teams involved the whole family for many years which provided travel, lifelong friendships, and his family with many memories and laughter that will last a lifetime. He had a great passion for golf especially with his ‘Friday Group’. He also shared that love and gentle nature on the links with his son, grandsons and brother. He and his wife also loved to travel nationally and internationally. Some of their favorite trips were to Italy, Scotland, Australia, Alaska, Hawaii and Rome where he and his wife sang for Pope John Paul the II. He also loved volunteering at the “On the Waterfront” and the “Rockford Air Fest.
But most of all he Loved his family more than anything. Traveling around the country on vacations or to our favorite beach cottage in Holland Michigan every summer.

Ian is survived by his wife Anna Mae (Rappa) whom he married on June 30th, 1956, and describes him as the kindest, most sincere, honest, hardworking and devoted family man she has ever known and wants to personally thank him for all his love and support. His brother Dave Proudfoot (Lois). Brother-in-law Bernard Rappa (Diane), His Children; Diann Hardenbrook (John), Sharon Steward, and Doug Proudfoot (Jane Weis). His grandchildren: Kari Hastings (John) and Ian Hardenbrook, Chelsea, Alice and Emma Brearley, and Cooper Proudfoot along with 5 great-grandchildren Leighton, Wesley, Liv, Holden, Declan, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved. Predeceased by his parents, Harry and Dorothy, in-laws, Peter and Helen Rappa and son-in-law John Hardenbrook.

Thank you to OFS Hospice staff for your sincere compassion and support in this difficult time.

A walk thru visitation will take place on Saturday, January 23, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 3910 N. Rockton Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103. A private funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm which can be viewed on ZOOM at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85653932579?pwd=WmdrTGdRVlRiWFpVN05iMW1FQ2x4dz09 or by using Meeting ID: 856 5393 2579 and Passcode: 123. Please wear masks and social distance. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Proudfoot family who will decide which types of memorials and charities that were closest to Ian's heart to donate to. Arrangements handled by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1680 S Mulford Road Rockford, IL 61108. Express Condolences online at www.fitzgeral.com.