Margaret Keltner

Margaret S. Keltner, 99, of Rockford, died February 10, 2018. Born September 9, 1918 in Cassville, Wisconsin, the daughter of Christina (Valentine) and Robert Schmidt. Moved to Rockford in 1930. Graduated from Bishop Muldoon High School in 1936. Attended Rockford College for two years. Married Paul Keltner on April 12, 1941. He died in 2002. Employed by Chappel Bothers, where she met her husband Paul, and American Life Insurance Co. She was the office manager of New York Life Insurance Co. for 25 years, retiring in 1985. She was the first female Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) in Rockford. Member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the Women’s Guild. Past member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where she was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, member of the Altar and Rosary Society, and Silver Shamrock. Member of RSVP, Friends of the Library, where she volunteered for many years in the book store, Golden Agers, Winnebago County Homemakers-Whig Hill, the Red Hat Society, and numerous bridge clubs. She loved to play bridge, and in past years as her eye sight failed, she continued to play every day if possible. She loved to travel, had been to Europe several times, and in later years still traveled South in the winter staying with her niece, Diane, in San Antonio.

Survived by her children, David Keltner of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Ellen (Jim) Schrader of Love Park, IL, grandson, Richard (Connie) Conti of Winnebago, IL, step-grandchildren, Melissa McAbee and Michael Schrader; step-greatgrandchildren, Randy, Brittany and Brandon Berry, Lexus and Dakota Schrader, and Bryce and Ryan McAbee; and step-great, great grandchild, Malakai Berry. Also survived by her sisters, Mary Walton and Betty (Louis) D’Agnolo; and numerous nices and nephews Predeceased by her husband, parents, brothers, Martin and William Schmidt; sisters Modesta Lauterbach and Cleo Mercatis; and infant grandson, Kenneth Conti, Jr.

Heartfelt thanks to Margaret’s Caregivers, Pam Tunga and Dawn for their kind, loving and attentive care shown to her in her final years.

Funeral mass will be 11 a.m., Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd, Rockford. Visitation 10 a.m. until time of mass. Memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108 – Send online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com