Paul J. Kai

Paul J. Kai, 76, of Rockford, passed away December 11, 2018. Born August 24, 1942 in Beloit, Wl, the son of Wayne & Grace (Flynn) Kai. Married Joyce Rush on April 6, 1960 in Rockford, II. He was employed by Ideal Uniform Service (later becoming Cintas) for almost 40 years and HMC Products for 10 years prior to retiring in 2009. Paul always enjoyed working on cars, especially the muscle cars and the corvettes he owned over the years. Paul and Joyce enjoyed traveling to car shows with groups of friends taking great pride in his Street Rods for which he won several trophies and awards. He had fond memories of his softball days, playing with friends for Mott Bros and bowling many years with the guys from Ideal. After retiring, he and Joyce enjoyed working long days in their yard landscaping and gardening and enjoyed listening to old music. "Papa Paul" also loved spending time and playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and was very proud of them.
Survivors include wife, Joyce; daughter, Julie (James) Miller; grandchildren, Brea (Wren Gibbs) Miller and Daniel (Lauren) Miller; great grandchildren, Taven Gibbs and Kyla Miller. Predeceased by son, Michael Paul Kai and parents.
Service will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 17, 2018 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. Visitation Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and also Monday from 10 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family for a memorial to be established. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory - Mulford Chapel. - send online condolences at
www.fitzgeraldfh.com