John James Schnaufer

John James Schnaufer, 67, of Rockford, died Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009 in his home surrounded by his family after an 18 month battle with brain cancer. Born September 16, 1942 in Lanesboro, MN, son of Roy and Maxine Schnaufer. Served in the United States Army in Fort Riley, KS from 1961-1964. Married his loving wife, Margaret Marge Smith in Houston, MN on December 27, 1969 and celebrated their 40 th wedding anniversary on Sunday. Worked for 32 years for Sunbeam/Butternut Bread as a Route Supervisor retiring in 2005. John was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church where he was an usher and Eucharistic Minister. He was a Scout Master for Boy Scout troop 200 even after his son had graduated. John enjoyed running and was an active member of the Rockford Road Runners , completing his first marathon in 1996. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed both hobbies even more in his retirement. Retirement didnt mean his work stopped, as he was very proud of the homes, skills and friendships that were built as he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. He also worked part time for the Winnebago County Health Department as a courier, even working throughout his illness in the bitter cold of last winter. John also loved spending time with his two young grandchildren, traveling throughout the country, Europe and the Caribbean with Marge. He even tried SCUBA diving for the first time the age of 65. Survivors include his wife Marge of Rockford; son, Mark Schnaufer of Virginia Beach, VA.; daughter, Nicole (Brad) Pennington of Wichita, KS.; grandchildren, Kobe and Jordyn Pennington; sister, Cathy (Jon) Hatleli of Rushford, MN. and brother, Rick (Sue) Schnaufer of Lanesboro, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Mass Monday, January 4, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church with Monsignor Gerald P. Kobbeman officiating. Visitation Sunday, January 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd., with a Rosary service to be recited at 7:00 p.m.. Visitation continues on Monday at church from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be held in Preston, MN on Tuesday, January 5, at 2:00 p.m. in Crown Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial to: Local Habitat for Humanity Chapter or American Brain Tumor Association 2720 River Road Des Plaines, IL 60018. Extend online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com