Leslie Voorhees

Leslie Jay Voorhees 84 of Rockford passed away Friday October 4, 2013. He was born May 5, 1929 in Pittsfield, MA to Leslie and Corinne Voorhees. He served in the Army and then in the Air Force where he met his wife Beverly. They were married on January 29, 1953 in Canaan, CT. After working as a packaging engineer in France for two years, Les worked at Sundstrand in Rockford. He went on to work for Warner Electric Brake and Clutch, Co. in South Beloit for 19 years. He then co owned V and P Hardware on Sandy Hollow Road in Rockford. Les' lifelong love of gardening led him to pursue a Master Gardener certification in 1993. He volunteered his talents extensively at Sinnissippi Gardens and in 2003 was recognized with a Master Gardener Sustained Excellence Award. His hobbies also included fishing, hunting, golfing, trap shooting, and all aspects of construction. He enjoyed participating in sports and was an avid Packer Fan. Survivors include his wife Beverly in Rockford. Step brother William Foster (Therese) in Chicago, IL. Two children, Heidi (Ed Walchak) Voorhees of Wilmette. Neil (Margaret) Voorhees of Houston, TX. Grandchildren, Annie and David Walchak and Corinne and Cassandra Voorhees. Great granddaughter, Addison. Predeceased by his parents and his brother Neil. The family is very grateful to the staff at the Alden Park Strathmoor Nursing Home for their kind and gentle care of Les.
Private family services. Memorials to Family Centered Hospice 4011 North Mulford Suite 7 Loves Park, Illinois 61111 or University of Illinois Extension (Master Gardener Program) at 1040 North Second Street in Rockford 61107. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.