John D. Armstrong

Rockford John D.  Armstrong, 82, of Rockford, died Saturday January 17, 2009 at Rockford Memorial Hospital .  Born May 23, 1926 to Fredrick and Elizabeth (Poole) Armstrong. Married Fern (Hodge) Armstrong inDecatur, IL on June 14, 1958. Served in the Merchant Marine during World War II.  A graduate of theUniversity of Illinois in 1950.  Worked as a mechanical engineer for Beling Engineering Consultants for 35 years where he served as manager of theRockford office and vice-president of the corporation.  Past president of the downtown Rockford Kiwanis Club and Lieutenant Governor of Division 12,  Illinois, Eastern Iowa District,  Kiwanis International.  An Eagle Scout and board member of the Blackhawk Area Council where he received the Silver Beaver Award in 1999.  Since retirement John served as a consulting engineer for Rosecrance and as a member of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.  A member ofCourt Street United Methodist Church for 50 years, serving as chairman of mission committee for 10 years.  Avid sailor, photographer, and life long fan of the Cubs and the Illini.Survivors include; wife, Fern; daughters, Sally (William) Gradle, Carol (William) Wiechmann, Diana (John) Pecina.  Grandchildren; Erin Kiifner, Ben Gradle, Sarah Wiechmann, Teresa Pecina, Eric Pecina.  Sister; Mary (John) Rosborough.  Predeceased by parents, 1st wife Doris (McKay) Armstrong and Brother Charles Paul. Memorial Service at 11 a.m.  On Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at Court Street United Methodist Church 215 N. Court Street with Pastor Keith Kelsey-Powell and Chaplain Brian Kenney officiating. Memorials may be sent to Boy Scouts of America, Blackhawk Area Council or Kiwanis Charities of Rockford, Inc.