Ulla M. Kercher

It is with deep sadness that the family of Ulla Kercher announces her passing in November, 2024. She was ninety-one years old. Ulla was born in 1933 in Sweden. As a teenager Ulla traveled throughout Europe performing and recording as a vocalist in the big band ensemble The Golden Pipers. She first arrived in Rockford in 1958 and worked as a hair stylist. She met Edward Kercher that year at a dance hosted by the Rockford Fire Department and they were married a year later. They enjoyed fifty-two years as husband and wife, raising their family in Rockford, where Ulla established deep roots in the community. Ulla will be fondly remembered for her love of music, travel, art and animals. Sweden was also very special to her, and she made over fifty trips back to her birthland visiting family and childhood friends. 

Over the years Ulla was an active member of Broadway Covenant Church, St. Mark Lutheran Church, Forest Hills Country Club, Swedish Historical Society, and she volunteered for several years at Swedish American Hospital. She gave generously to several humanitarian and philanthropic causes such as Planned Parenthood, Southern Poverty Law Center, Amnesty International, Northern Illinois Food Bank and various animal protection agencies. However, for Ulla her family was the most important focus in her life, and being a supportive, encouraging mother her most cherished accomplishment. Ulla will be greatly missed by her surviving three children, their spouses, four grandchildren and three family dogs.

Visitation will take place on Friday, December 27, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service, 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center, 4751 Harrison Avenue, Rockford, IL 61108.