Michael "Mike" J. Beard

Michael “Mike” J. Beard, 73, Rockford, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. He was born on July 10, 1947, in Davenport, IA, the son of Harold and Mary (Barnes) Beard. Mike was a graduate of Boylan Catholic High School, class of 1965. He then attended classes at Rock Valley College. He was a veteran of the Air Force. Mike married Linda Noll in Rockford on April 19, 1969. He was a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service for 47 years. After retiring he drove limousine for Hollywood Limo Service. He served with the Cherry Valley Fire Department for over 20 years, and was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. Mike was a past member of St. Rita Catholic Church and most recently attended Holy Family Catholic Church.
Survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Linda; his children, Beth (Darin) Johnson, Dan (Anita) Beard, MaryEllen (Mike Mathison) Beard, and Kelly (Brian) Jeanmaire; his grandchildren, Caitlyn and Ryan Johnson, Bailey, Morgan, and Nolan Beard, Claire, Cameron and Hayden Jeanmaire; his brothers, David, Jeffery, Chris, and Dennis; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, April 19, 2021, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. The funeral will be live streamed on the Holy Family Catholic Church website, home page. Click on “Watch Mass”. Sign up begins at 10:50 am. Burial with military honors in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. A walk thru Visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. Masks are required. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.