Joyce A. Hitzke

Joyce A. Hitzke, 91, of Rockford, died Monday, November 3, 2014 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. She was born on January 22, 1923, in Freeport, the daughter of Ethel Parks. Graduated in 1942 from West High School and began working at National Lock during WWII. Joyce was a war bride and married her loving husband, Lt. Donald M. Hitzke, Sr. on April 20, 1944 at Trinity Lutheran Church. After her children were born, she attended Rockford Memorial Hospital Nursing School and graduated with her LPN in 1961. She worked for RMH for many years in the OB and ER Departments. A member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and volunteered at Swedish American Hospital. She and Donald enjoyed many European vacations and was able to visit Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. They also loved to go on cruises and were fortunate to see, Hawaii, Alaska, Tahiti, New Zealand and Australia. She was a kind, caring woman who loved her family dearly, she will be greatly missed.
Survivors include her children, Donald M. (Sue) Hitzke, Jr. of Rockford, Steven G. (Brenda) Hitzke of Rockton, Janice G. Pope of Loves Park and Judy L. (William) Reagan of CA; grandchildren, Terri Hitzke of Rockford, Melissa Hitzke of Huntley, Christina (Kenneth) Scigulinsky of CT; Chad (Cindy) Pope of Loves Park, Patrick and Lindsey Reagan both of CA; great grandchildren, Jackson and Owen Scigulinsky of CT. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ethel Parks-Walsh and Henry Walsh and her husband, Donald M. Hitzke, Sr.
Memorial service Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 600 N. Horseman, with Rev. Frank Cypress officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. Inurnment will be held in Willwood Burial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials in her name to the church.