Thomas E. Milbourn

Thomas E. Milbourn, 73, of Rockford, died Thursday, March 8, 2007 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital inMadison following a lengthy struggle with congestive heart failure. Born May 18, 1933 inBenton Harbor, MI; the son of the late Howard and Irene (Dalzell) Milbourn. He married Sharon Wilke on June 13, 1959, inMt. Prospect, IL. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean Conflict. Received his Bachelors Degree in 1958 from Carthage College . Tom worked as a Revenue Officer for the IRS for 32 years retiring in 1989. He was a very active member of Alpine Lutheran Church having served as congregational treasurer, church council member, and longtime senior choir member. He was also a member of Ellis EFW Masonic Lodge No.633 and Tebala Shrine. Tom was an avid Notre Dame, Bears and Cubs Fan and enjoyed playing golf. He coached little league baseball for many years through the Rockford Boys Club.Survivors include his wife, Sharon; 4 children, Richard (Kendel) Milbourn of Burlington, CT, Julie (Curtiss) Gerard of Roscoe, Scott (Sandi) Milbourn of Rockford and Mark (Rita) Milbourn of Vail, AZ; grandchildren, Zachary and Zane Milbourn, Derek Willging, Jacob and Katie Milbourn and Caleb and Taylor Milbourn; step-grandchildren, Kaitlin and Kelsey Gerard; brother, Howard "Bud" (Lura) Milbourn of South Bend, IN and several nieces and nephews.Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at Alpine Lutheran Church, 5001 Forest View Av. Rockford, 61108, with Rev. Dr. Richard J. Meier and Vicar Kendra Wilde officiating. Burial in Arlington Cemetery . Visitation to be held from 5 to 8 on Monday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 continuing on Tuesday at church from 10-10:45 a.m. Memorials may be made to Alpine Lutheran Church or the Flodin Boys and Girls Club, 1000 Mill Rd.