Paul Letourneau

Paul Letourneau, 88, died recently. He died at peace in his bed with his wife Judy nearby. Paul was raised and educated in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. He and Judy met in high school. They were married a few years later. Their love and mutual respect were everlasting. They had two daughters and two sons now all fine adults. Each of the four married and each had two children of their own. Now there are four beautiful great-granddaughters.

Paul graduated from Marquette University with a degree in engineering. In 1962 the family moved to Rockford, Illinois where he began employment with Sundstrand Corporation, aviation division. Over the years his challenging career was primarily in the design, testing, and development of aircraft mechanical power transmission and turbine powered equipment. He worked with vendors and customers all over the US, the UK, and Europe, and with many Sundstrand co-workers in design and manufacturing, assembly, and test. He enjoyed volleyball, sailing their small sailboat, and hiking when he was younger. Later he enjoyed biking, bridge, concerts by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, and traveling with his family.

He retired in 1996. He and Judy traveled much of Europe, Iceland, Hawaii, China, New Zealand, and other places. He volunteered his services, including preparing tax returns for the elderly for many years and driving patients to and from cancer treatments. He joined a glider club where he learned to fly. He often took Judy for flights. They enjoyed looking at the countryside from 4,000 feet in the air in the quiet of the glider.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; children Dave and Susan Letourneau, Jeanne and Andy Bergstrom, Alan and Joy Letourneau, Emily and Dave Clausing; sister, Natasha Letourneau, and predeceased by his brother, Raymond Letourneau.

A celebration of his life will be held at St. Anskar Episcopal Church on October 15, 2022, with visitation at 2:00 p.m., the memorial service at 3:00 p.m., and lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Natural Land Institute, 320 South Third Street, Rockford, Illinois 61104. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, assisted the family. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com