John W. Clarke

John W.  Clarke Rockford John W.  Clarke, died Tuesday,  December 9,  2008 at 5:20 p.m. in his home.  John was born in St.  Louis,  MO.  on September 9,  1935 to George E. Clarke  and Florence H.  (Bloomster) Clarke. He served in the US Army from 1954 to 1957.  John is a  retired teamster. He is a member of the Lithuanian Club and F. O. E. 392.  He loved animals,  beer and  TV. and was known for his shiny boots and poems.   Survivors include his  wife of 54 years, Billie (Roberts) Clarke; children Cindy (Richard) Livingston,  John (Lori) Clarke,  Mary (Catherine) Rasmussen,  Michael Clarke,  Theresa Bankes-Kline, and Mark (Michelle) Clark.  14 grandchildren April (James) Willoughby,  Tammy Livingston,  John (Jennifer) Clarke,  Jason (Misty) Clarke,  Kara (Kyle) Corstese, David Rasmussen,  Christy Rasmussen,  Bradley Bankes,  Brandon Bankes,  Summer Clarke,  Amber Clarke,  Aaron Clarke,  Marc Clarke,  and Matthew Clarke;  15 great-grandchildren;  2 dogs, Corky and Twinkie and  several close friends from Chuck and Bobs.  Predeceased by his parents; twin brother, James Clarke, and sister Doris Clarke. A very special thank you to Carol Cofield and Hospice Nurse Michelle   Funeral Service will be held at  1 p.m. on  Saturday,  December 13,  2008 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 South Mulford Road,  Rockford,  Il 61108.  with Pastor Michael McDermott officiating.  A visitation will be held from  11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers please make memorials to the family.  Online condolences may be sent to www.fitzgeraldfh.com