J. Bruce Howell

J. Bruce Howell, 85

Roscoe—J. Bruce Howell, 85, formerly of Stillman Valley, died December 30, 2015 at his home. He was born on September 2, 1930 in Rockford to the late John “Jack” and Helen (Smith) Howell. Bruce married Ruth Woodworth on October 29, 1952 in Rockford. He worked his entire career in Rockford as a mechanical engineer. He served in the Navy Reserve for 8 years. He was a founding member of the Rockford Latin Mass Community, instrumental in bringing The Institute of Christ the King to St. Mary’s Oratory. Bruce was an avid photographer, camper, and he loved German Shepherds and playing chess.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; 4 children, John (Susan), Jerry (Paula), Sister Mary Clare of Poor Clares Monastery, Jay (Sue); 10 grandchildren, Dawn (Dustin) Burton, Jacob (Jodi), Lindsay, Ashley (Derek) Lauritzen, Jordan, Abby (Terry) Cox, Zachary, Maryssa (Shane) Albert, Kayci and Baylie; 5 great-grandchildren, Dylan and Gavin Burton, Lenox and Rocklan Lauritzen, and Heather Howell; 4 sisters, Patricia (Victor) Cascio, Kathleen (Kevin) Carney, Nancy (Julio, deceased) Pro, Karen (Bill) Klaske; 1 brother, Dennis (Janice); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by daughter Mary, grand-daughter Kelsey Rose, and two infant sons.

Funeral Mass is 10 am Saturday, January 9, 2016 at St. Mary Oratory 517 Elm St, Rockford, IL 61102 with Rev. Brian A.T. Bovee, Rector officiating. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 8, 2016 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory (Riverside Chapel) 3910 N. Rockton Ave., with the Rosary recited at 4pm. Memorials may be made to the family. (A special thank-you to Beloit Regional Hospice)