John A. Whitfield

John A. Whitfield
Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend

John A. Whitfield, 77, of Cherry Valley, formerly of McHenry County, went to be with the Lord on September 18, 2008 in his home surrounded by his family. John was born December 15, 1930 in Chicago, IL the son of Arthur Joseph and Loretta Elizabeth (Sawyer) Whitfield. John married Donna Louise McNee on February 8, 1964 in Chicago. John was a US Army Veteran from Sept. 23, 1948 to October 15, 1952 having served in Germany and with the Tank Co (Medium) 30th Infantry . He was an extraordinary man and a self-made man. John was a self-employed electrical engineer who built his own home and also co-owned the Immaculata Religious Goods Store in Huntley, IL. John was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church. He lived an adventure, traveling to Alaska, living off the land and studying to be a Bush Pilot. John also loved nature and was a loyal Cubs fan. John is survived by his wife, Donna; his daughters, Stephanie (Mark) Rankin, Lydia (Warren) Vowels and Leslie (Michael) Tuttle; his 16 grandchildren, Dominic, Nicole, Alexander, John, Joseph, Josephine, Alexis, Maximilian, Zachary, Augustine, Veronica, Juliana, Mary, Francis, Magdalene and Thomas-Anthony; his sister, Alice Elliot and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Rosemary Teckorius. A Funeral Mass will be offered by Rev. Michael G. Black on Monday, September 22, 2008 at 10 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 3004 S. 11th Street, Rockford followed by interment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2008 from 2 5 p.m., with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108 and on Monday from 9:00 9:45 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, masses may be offered in Johns memory. Family and friends may extend online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfuneralhome.com.