Joseph Webster

Joseph Joe Webster, 87, of Rockford, died at 1:35 p.m. on Wednesday April 2, 2008 at East Bank Center in Loves Park. Born on July 7, 1920 in Memphis, Tennessee the son of Bert and Patsy Webster. He married MaryAnne Ricardo in Rockford on July 7, 1946. Joe was a Fire Fighter for the Rockford Fire Department for 25 years retiring as a Lieutenant. He then started a second career as a Nursery Manager for Klehms Nursery until the Klehm family donated it to the city of Rockford as the Klehm Arboretum. Joe was in the U.S. Army Air Corps. from 1939 until 1945 serving in Pearl Harbor during its attack. Joe was a member St. Edwards Catholic Church. He was a proud member of the National Rifle Association, IL State Rifle Association, and Winnequah Gun Club in Lodi, WI, where he spent many happy days. In his younger years Joe enjoyed his MG car. He was a fly fisher, a hunter, a photographer, an avid reader, and a sharp shooter, once being the Illinois State Champion Rifle Shooter, Joe shot in his last long range rifle match at the age of 83. Joe is survived by his wife, MaryAnne; children, Nancy Daneau of Jupiter, FL, Joseph S. Webster of Laurinburg, NC, Jim (Sue) Webster of Rockton, Marijo (Bruce) Nygren of Harrison, and JoAnne (Don) Alexander of Rockford; 9 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 2 half-brothers; numerous nieces and nephews; and 2 dear friends, Joyce and Teresa. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Dorcus Waggoner; and grandson, Joey. Special thanks to Marilyn, Jim and the staff at East Bank Center, and Bobbi and Joe of Hospice Care for all of their loving care. A Rosary Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday April 5, 2008 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, with Deacon Mike Ryan officiating. There will be a visitation from 9 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Rockford Fire Department Auxillary or to the family would be appreciated. To express online condolences to the family please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.