Wayne L. Van Vleck

Wayne L. Van Vleck, 93, of Rockford, died Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at Neighbors Nursing Home in Byron. Born May 16, 1915 in Durand, the son of Dwight and Eva (McKinley) Van Vleck. Veteran of the United States Army serving in WWII as a Cat Driver and Truck Driver. He also served in the Civilian Conservation Corps for 4 years as a truck driver. Wayne was married to his first wife, Eva Lucille (Nichwander) on Feb. 1, 1941. He worked as a painter for Stanley Decorators/Freeport Spray and Paint, Illinois Decorating, Knox Motors Co, and was a heavy equipment operator for Necedah Dam in Wisconsin. Married his second wife, the late Alice Mae (Burress) Yardley on Oct. 3, 1985 in Clinton, IA. Wayne retired at the age of 85 and is a lifetime member of Savanna VFW, he enjoyed fishing, model railroading and was an overall ""out doors person"" . Survivors include his first wife, Eva Van Vleck of Byron; children, Rita Dublo of Loves Park, Sandra (Jack) Horner of Pecatonica, Lawrence Van Vleck of Rockford, Marian Vowell of S. Beloit and Mark ( Denise) Van Vleck of Rockford; 11 grand children; 13 grandchildren; step daughter, Lois (Loren) Beans of Springfield, MO; step daughter-in-law, Phyllis Yardley of Pharr, TX and friends, Russell Rockey and Bonnie Abney both of Savanna. He was preceded in death by his parents and great grandson, Anthony Van Vleck and his 2nd wife Alice. Memorial Service Friday, November 14, 2008 at 3:00 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel 3910 N. Rockton Ave. with Rev. Dr. William R. Kerr officiating. Visitation Friday in the funeral home from 1-3 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials to Neighbors Nursing Home, 811 E. 2nd St. Byron, IL 61010.