Jean F. Ewaldz

Jean Frederick Ewaldz, 88, of Rockford, passed away February 2, 2025, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born August 22, 1936, in Rockford, the son of Harold E. & Carolyn “Pat” (DeCamp) Ewaldz. He graduated from West High School, class of 1954. Jean enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he proudly served as a SP5 missile guidance systems specialist at Fort Bliss. He married his beloved wife Mary Engle in El Paso Texas in 1959. After the Army, Jean was employed by the DoAll Co. for 40 years and traveled the world troubleshooting and solving their toughest machine applications.

Jean was a master of many trades and could build, rebuild, and fix just about anything. He constantly did this for his own homes, and also family and friends. Jean was a Master Gardener and a Consulting Rosarian, and he and Mary enjoyed having many visitors to their wonderful gardens and winning many national awards for their roses. Jean researched and rebuilt the Victorian Rose Garden at Tinker Cottage and assisted with Sinnissippi Park Rose Garden.

In addition, Jean loved to BBQ, and could be found grilling on most weekends. Jean loved to sing and was often the loudest voice singing at family gatherings. Jean was a 32nd degree Mason, formerly a Tebala Shriner, and a member of Aldersgate Methodist Church. Jean was a friend to all who met him with his calm demeanor and willingness to always lend an expert hand. He deeply loved his family and will be greatly missed.

Jean is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Don Ewaldz and David Ewaldz, sisters-in-law Kay Ewaldz and Nancy Woodford.

Survivors include wife, Mary; son, David (Adina) Ewaldz; daughter, Susan (Jon) Bauch; beloved grand daughters Annika Ewaldz (Alex Ludwig), Elena Ewaldz, Gabrielle Bauch, Alexandra Bauch; Brother J. Mike Ewaldz; sisters-in-law Rosanne Ewaldz, Jan Frase, Pat Wood; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and special cousins in Sweden; Gunilla and Bo Eek, and Ingemar Ewaldz. 

A memorial service for Jean will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held one hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rock River Valley Food Pantry  and Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Jean’s name. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.