Joanne Marie Wiltfang

JoAnne Marie Wiltfang, 59, of Rockford, passed away Monday, September 3, 2018, surrounded by her family. She was born April 1, 1959, in Rockford, the daughter of Ray and Harriet Mentzer. JoAnne married Jerry Wiltfang in Rockford on August 23, 1980. She was in real estate sales before becoming a mortgage originator for many years, finishing her career at Rock Valley Federal Credit Union. JoAnne was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. She enjoyed gardening, shopping, and baking; especially for Christmas gatherings. Spending time with family and friends was her number one priority. JoAnne was full of love, kindness, and generosity.
Survived by her loving husband, Jerry; her daughter, Stephanie (Alex Kuhl) Wiltfang; her mother, Harriet Mentzer; her siblings, Connie (Dennis) Sammons of Maricopa, AZ, Sheryl (Joseph) Mannone, Craig (Marianne) Mentzer, and Brad (Valerie) Mentzer, all of Rockford; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Deann (Dean) Svela; her nieces and nephews, Chris (Jennifer) Sammons, Matthew (Katie) Sammons, Melissa (Mike) Zimmerman, Sarah (Stephen Holgate) Mannone, Paul Mannone, Megan (Jordan) Martin, Hannah (Peter Junor) Mentzer, Matt (Andrea) Svela, Chelsey (Austin) Stolte, and Micah Svela; her best friend, Christine (Royce) Monk; her honorary family and neighbors, Steve and Debbie Osborne and their children, Aidan, Colin, and Liam. Predeceased by her son Eric, her father, Ray Mentzer, Gram (Marie Wiltfang), Gramps (Curtis Wiltfang), and her grandmothers, Rachel Mihm and Hazel Nailor.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, September 7, 2018, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd., Rockford with Father Phillip Kaim officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd with the Rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. An additional visitation will precede mass at Holy Family from 9:30 A.M. until 10:15 A.M. on Friday. Share online condolences at www.fitzgerladfh.com.