Larry Branch

Larry Dean Branch, 73, Sun Lakes, AZ, passed away Saturday, February 11, 2012, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 13, 1938, in Highland, IL, the son of William Henry and Ordella (Lynch) Branch. Larry was a 1956 graduate of Rockford West High School and he then completed his apprenticeship to become a journeyman electrician. He was a partner with Ballard Electric Co. for 42 years, retiring in 1998. Larry was a Scoutmaster when his children were young, a licensed airplane pilot, and was active in various charitable organizations through the years. Larry was a member of Masonic Lodge No.102 and of the Scottish Rite. Larry was a man of integrity and was truly one of the "good guys" .Survived by his wife, Pat and their 6 children, LeeAnn (Larry) Bridgeland, Cathy (Randy) Etheridge, Mark (Karen) Branch, Doug (Deb) Branch, Mike (Terri) Odell, and Melanie (Jay) Bilyeu; grandchildren, Ben, Ryan, Kelsey, Jordan, Tiera, Drew, Matt, Melissa (Dido) and Allison; greatgrandchildren, Brenden, Kevin, and Kaylynn; fraternal aunts, Pauline (Harold) Williams and Etheleda Drake; special cousin, Lora (Van) Vieregge.Memorial service will be at 11am, Monday, February 20, 2012, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 412 N. Church St. with Reverend Pamela Hillenbrand officiating. Visitation from 3:00pm until 7:00 pm Sunday, February 19, 2012, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Private family interment will be at Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Larrys family requests that memorials be made to Winnebago County CASA, 403 Elm St. Rockford, Il 61101 or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.