J. Howard Laubscher

J. Howard Laubscher, MD, 91, died Friday, June 6, 2008 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born Feb. 8, 1917 in Burlington, IA, son of John H. and Clara (Ortleb) Laubscher. Married Norma J. Harms in 1941 whom preceded him on Aug. 21, 1985. Served as Captain in the Army Medical Corps at AFS Regional Hospital in Fort Benning, GA before coming to Rockford. Was a 1940 graduate of the University of Iowa with a BS and Doctorate in Medicine. Served his residency with the Babies and Childrens Hospital, Cleveland City Hospital and State University, IA from 1940-1944. J. Howard had a private pediatrics medical practice with Dr. W L Crawford for 5 years. On January 1, 1952 he joined the Medical Clinic of Rockford, now a division of Rockford Health System, as a Pediatrician until 1979. He was the former chairman of the Pediatric Department; President of the Medical Staff at RMH; past President of Rockford Clinic and Vice President of Medical Affairs at RMH from 1979-1984. He was a Physician Surveyor for J C A H from 1984-1985 and in 1988 he began serving as Medical Director for Rockford Clinic until his retirement in 1991. Married Elsie S. (Dinelli) Demko on Feb. 28, 1987 whom preceded him on Oct. 14, 2006. Current member of Holy Family Catholic church, past member of St. Bernadette Seniors Association, Member of AOA-Honorary Medical Society and American Academy of Pediatrics. Former member of Winnebago Medical Society, Illinois State Medical Society and AMA as well as past President of the Optimist Club in 1940s. J. Howard enjoyed hunting, golfing, caning chairs, bridge and traveling. After retirement he spent the winter months in Ft. Myers, FL. Survivors include his daughter, Jean (Dan) Winters of Rockford, Sons, Jon (Bill Schwartz) of Oak Park, Steven (Anna) of FL and Kirk (Kathy) of Chillicothe; stepson, Thomas Demko of OH; stepdaughters, Theresa (Robert) Baier of Oak Lawn and Diane (Brian) Scott of IN; grandchildren, Kathleen (Michael) Marron, Joanna Laubscher and Howard S. Laubscher; great grandson, Patrick Marron; step grandchildren, Karen Hurda, Rebecca (Patrick) McCusker, Thomas (Laura) Demko, Madeline Demko, Daniel Demko, Timothy (Katie Lynn) Baier, Faustina Baier, Katherine Baier, Amanda Scott and Molly Scott, Brenda Noser and Barb Seibold; step great grandchildren, Brett Hurda and Kailey Baier, Madeline Baier, Makayla Baier and Justin Murdock; brother-in-law, Wendell (Rosie) Harms; sister-in-laws, Maxine Madsen and Marian Bird and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, spouses Norma and Elsie and 3 brother-in-laws, Vernon Madsen, Vernon Harms and Sam Bird. Funeral Mass Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at Holy Family Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Andrew Hougan officiating. Interment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation on Monday, June 9, 2008 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance at 8:00 p.m. Visitation to continue one hour prior to Mass at church. In lieu of flowers memorials to: Rockford Memorial Hospital Pediatric Department, 2400 N. Rockton Ave. Rockford, IL 61103 or Poor Clares Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. Main, Rockford, IL 61102.