Richard J. Fandel

Richard J. Fandel, 90, a doting husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025, with his family by his side. Dick was born on April 1, 1935, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin one of 13 children to Richard M and Mildred (Haasl) Fandel. He met his beloved wife, Sondra Berg, in high school and they wed on April 28, 1956. Dick went on to Marquette University, College of Engineering, and joined the Triangle Fraternity in which his grandsons became legacy members, going on to graduate in 1957. 

They moved to Rockford, Illinois where he started his working career with Sundstrand Corporation. In his 34-year career, he enjoyed various engineering and engineering management positions and retired in 1991. Beyond his professional achievements, Dick’s heart was devoted to his family. He loved to spoil his wife Sondra and be active with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, coaching Junior Tackle football, Baseball, and watching them play, taking some of them hunting and fishing. He enjoyed their time through their formative years. Dick and Sondra found themselves adventuring to Hawaii, Egypt, Israel, China, Germany and Czech Republic. Dick became a shareholder for his beloved Packers, and he fed his faith by serving various roles as a parishioner of St. Rita Catholic Church, and before that St. Edward Catholic Church. His presence will be forever missed, but his spirit lingers in the stories shared, the hearts touched, and the memories created.

He will be missed by those who loved him most, his wife of 69 years, Sondra; his children Debbie (Brad) Jackson, Patti (Bill) Brady, Paul (Michele) Fandel, Andy (Michal) Fandel, Mike (Kathy) Fandel and Bill (Antonia) Fandel; over twenty grandchildren, over thirty great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren; six of his sisters, two brothers, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, his son Charles “Chuck” Fandel, daughter in law Kathy Fandel; grandchild Jeremy Brady; as well as two of his brothers and two of his sisters.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until the time of Rosary, 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr, Rockford, IL 61109 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Mass, 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to be made to Corpus Christi Monastery of the Poor Clares, 2111 S Main St, Rockford, IL 61102. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com