Richard Dan Barlow

R. Dan Barlow, 70Loving Husband, Father, Grandpa, Brother and Friend R. Dan Barlow, 70, Rockford, died Sunday, September 12, 2010. Born October 20, 1939 in Janesville, WI, son of Harvey and Genevieve Delaney Barlow. Graduated from West High School in 1957. Married Janice A. Frisbie on April 24, 1959; she died on November 15, 1993. Dan and Joyce Eriksen DeRango were then married on Christmas Eve, 1994. He was a dedicated member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 23 for over 50 years. He retired as a plumber from Mechanical, Inc. in Freeport after 42 years of employment. Since his retirement he has spent the past 10 years teaching in the plumbing apprentice program. Member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Dan was a very active man who got great enjoyment out of fishing, pheasant hunting in Iowa and card games of all sorts. He played and coached softball and bowled on numerous bowling leagues for many years, presently bowling 2 nights a week. He was also a music lover who played the piano and organ. Dan found great joy in attending his children's and grandchildren's many activities and sporting events. He was a loving man who has touched many lives and will be greatly missed. Survivors include his loving wife, Joyce; daughters, Kelly (Jay) Schafer and their children, Jacob, Michael and Delaney, Becky (Mark) Smith and their children, Meghan and Morgan, Michelle (Ray) Schneider and their daughter, Audrey and Vicki (Jason) Nelson. Also survived by his brother, Jeff (Cheryl) Barlow; his step-children, Patricia (Robert) Ring, Peggy Smith, Donna Perrone, Dennis (Sabrina) DeRango, Connie DeRango, Steve (Cindy) DeRango, John (Geri Ann) DeRango, Rick (Peg) DeRango, Teri (Mike) Odell, Jerry (Jayne) DeRango, Chris (Beth) DeRango; 21 step-grandchildren and 2 step great-granddaughters. Also predeceased by his parents and sister, Joyce Vandersteeg. Mass of Celebration will be at 11 a.m. Friday, September 17, 2010 in Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Robert Hoffman officiating. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Visitation on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Visitation also from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.