Lawrence Edward France

Lawrence “Larry” E. France, 84, of Rockford, IL passed away on October 17, 2024. He was born on August 9, 1940 in Rockford, IL, the son of Sidney and Margaret (Zimmerman) France. Larry attended St. Peter’s and St. Thomas schools. He married Shirley (Conrad) France on March 25, 1967 and they had two children. They later divorced on August 13, 1998, but remained close friends and loved her to the end.

Larry served in the Navy for 8 years as a Fireman, 3rd Class Petty Officer Boatswain’s Mate, Boat Pilot, Running Honors to Dignitaries, and as an Active Duty Navy Reserves. He was a devoted military man throughout his whole life. Upon being honorably discharged from the Navy on November 6, 1967, Larry worked at numerous jobs, which included being a janitor/maintenance for Anderson Janitorial Services, First United Methodist Church, Boylan Catholic High School, Westminster Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church of Beloit, Living & Learning Preschool, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Grace Lutheran Loves Park, and another facility. He worked on TV’s and Washers/Dryers until he became a full time caretaker for his children as they grew up. Later in life, he loved to work on cars with a friend. Larry was also involved with the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps from its onset as a first soprano and played from 1956 through 1963. Larry loved to golf and at one point became a pro-amateur golfer and learned under Chee Chee Rodriguez. Larry loved to lift weights and aspired to be Lou Ferrigno.

Larry was very strong in his faith and considered himself a Christian. Larry attended two Bible Colleges and received numerous certificates. Larry would always put others’ needs before his own. He loved to give to numerous missions and those in need even if it meant he went without.

Larry loved to talk about his military career and his almighty father, God. Larry enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his two children, son Eric (Aletha) France of Houston, Texas and daughter Heather France of Rockton, IL; grandchildren Kasey France and Peyton Fitchie, his sister Joan (Jim) Owens of Loves Park, IL, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers – Bernard, Eugene, Robert, Richard, Paul, John, Donald; sisters – Marian, Rosemary, and Barbara; and the mother of his children/love of his life Shirley (Conrad) France.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Larry's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. with visitation from 2:00 p.m. until time of service, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Larry will be laid to rest in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois.