Karl E. Niedermann
November 12, 1928 — October 7, 2010
Belvidere-Karl E. Niedermann, 81, died unexpectedly Thursday, October 7, 2010 in his home. Born November 12, 1928 in Monroe, WI, son of Karl J. and Anna Marie (Bruggmann) Niedermann. He was proud of his Swiss heritage and during his high school years and after his graduation from Blanchardville (WI) High, he worked on the family farm and as a cheese maker. He attended the UW, Madison and trained in opticianry at Bausch and Lomb. He married his loving wife of 55 years Rosemarie nbsp;Stracka on August 20, 1955. Before Karl and Rosemarie moved to Rockford he was active in Freeport politics. nbsp;In 1964 Karl became a Certified Optician through the American Board of Opticianry and later a Professional Registered Optician through the Opticians Association of America.nbsp; He owned Niedermann Optical in Rockford for 35 years. During this time he was a member of the Contact Lens Society of America, Life Member of the Illinois Society of Opticianry, nbsp;1992 Opticianry Advisory Committee at McHenry County College and collected eyeglasses for the Lions Club. He was a contributor tonbsp; Diocesan charities and provided optical services to the Sisters ofnbsp; Poor Clare Monastery.nbsp; Karl was a licensed pilotnbsp; and built a kit airplane. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (E.A.A) Chapter 22. He acted as treasurer for 3 years and received the Frank Murray Memorial Award in recognition of his service.nbsp; He was also a member of the Rockford Sail and Power Squadron for 40 years, North American Fishing Club, St. Rita Catholic Church and 3 rd degree member of Knights of Columbus Muldoon Council 470, and a 4 th degree member of the General Assembly 190. He is remembered as an avid reader, a passionate do-it-yourselfer with a spirit for outdoor adventure which included hunting, fishing, boating and organic gardening.
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Survivors include his loving wife, Rosemarie; children, Karl (Casey), Kathy (Bruce) Janusevic, Mary Rose (Dave) Damisch, Laura (Dave) Snow, Jim, Paul, and Amy (Kevin) Behling; grandchildren, Karl (Liz), Adrienne, Dan, Kendra and Aaron Niedermann, Jeff and Emily Janusevic, Luke, Ben and Hannah Damisch and Evy and Liam Behling; great grandchildren, Cassandra and Eleanor Niedermann; brother, Robert (Mary) Niedermann and sister, Margaret Marti. Preceded in death by his sister, Irene, parents and grandson, Jacob Janusevic in 2009.
Funeral Mass Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Drive with Rev. Monsignor Gerald P. Kobbeman officiating. Visitation on Monday, October 11nbsp; from 5 - 8 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with a rosary service to be recited at 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at church from 9:00 until time of prayer at 9:45. Entombment will be at 1:30 p.m. at Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family for a fund to be established. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com