Larry Martin Bankord

Larry Martin Bankord, 86, Rockford, died on Monday, May 9, 2022 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. Born April 23, 1936 in Pengilly, MN, son of William and Ellen Sophie Johnson Bankord. Larry had very humble beginnings growing up in a one room log cabin in a family with 11 children. This, no doubt, had a great influence on the energetic, hardworking, resourceful man that he became Proud veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, serving on the U.S.S. Barry. Married Patricia Rogers in Zion Lutheran Church, Rockford, on July 21, 1961. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of American Legion Post #1011 where he had received a 50 year recognition certificate. He enjoyed fishing, swimming, skiing, gardening and all the wonders of nature. He and Pat bowled on a league together and were amazing dancers that everyone loved to watch. Larry was an accomplished man of many talents. At one time he owned a flooring and decorating store and was widely known as the best flooring installer in the area. He also had been the owner of a moving company and never lost his skill for packing and organizing. He was a master at remodeling and restoring as well as sales. He enjoyed being with people and was always happiest doing for others. Larry was extremely involved in the Pecatonica community during the years they lived there. He was a long-time member of the Winnebago County Fair Board, president of the Pecatonica City Council, actively involved in school board issues, and was a den leader for Indian Guides. He was always a good neighbor, even plowing snow for many friends in the area. Larry also never met a stranger or a coffee shop he could pass up. Pie and coffee for all! Larry had a great deal of pride in his family and showed his children and grandchildren endless unconditional love. He especially enjoyed watching his granddaughters in all of their activities and was their greatest fan.
Survivors include his wife, Pat; children, Todd A. (Shari) Bankord, Troy M. Bankord and Trina (Burt) Bankord-Andersen; granddaughters, Caitlin (Paul) Brandenburg and Cassidy (Eric) Jacobs; great-grandchildren, Rowen Brandenburg and Kinsley Jacobs; sister, Bonnie Murphy; sister-in-law, Cleo Bankord and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and siblings, Hazel A. Bimberg, Beatrice E. Hoskinson, Howard W. Bankord, Aden E. Bankord, Beverly E. Motelet, Wilbur M. Bankord, Gordon D. Bankord, Betty D. Blake and Eugene A. Bankord. Larry’s family would like to thank the staff of Northern Illinois Hospice, Swedish American Cancer Center and the VA for the loving care they extended to him.
A memorial visitation for Larry will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. A memorial service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Memorials may be made to the family for a memorial in Larry’s name to be established. Send condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.

To Join Zoom Meeting for Larry's Service, please click the following link or sign in on Zoom with the meeting ID and Password listed below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8102906045?pwd=SWhqTTYxZEdZTDdQTW9HdW9EREsxUT09
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