Irving A. Floress

FLORESS, IRVING A. passed away on July 21, 2018 in Rockford, IL. He was born on October 27, 1925 in Chicago, IL to Valentine and Margaret Floress. He was the beloved husband of Lois (nee Frame), his wife of 51 years. Irv and Lois raised six children, Michael (Marilyn), Patrick (Eleanor), Colleen Halter, Carin (John) Rupp, Glen (Diana), and Suzanne (Willie) Escueta. Together, they cherished their 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great granddaughters. Every new baby received a “doolika” welcome into the family, a tradition passed down from his mother. Irv was the eldest in a family of 12 brothers and sisters. They were raised in Chicago and enjoyed always having a sibling to talk with. The two phenomenal women in his life, Lois and his first wife Elizabeth (nee McGinnis), preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his parents, a baby brother Elmer, his sister Peggy and brother Robert.

Early in his life, Irv was taught to love, honor and respect God, his family, and his country. He joined the Navy at age 17 with permission from his father; became a “Purple Porpoise” by crossing the equator and the International Dateline at the same time, as well as drove the Burma Road in WWII. Irv received a Purple Heart after being wounded during his service to our country. When he returned home, he worked part time in Lake in the Hills beginning in 1953. Irv was instrumental in making LITH a village. He served Lakes in the Hills in many capacities including being the first full time village employee, building inspector, superintendent of roads and civil defense director. In 1957 he became Chief of Police and held this position until he retired in 1985. After retiring, he was proud to be a volunteer for many years at the Kankakee YMCA. Irv loved talking with people and had many, many stories that were repeated often. Besides reading, Irv greatly enjoyed playing chess with his friends and grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Crystal Lake, Il . In lieu of flowers, donations in Irv’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108 – Send online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.