William A. Lee

William A. "Bill" Lee 78 of Rockford passed away Wednesday April 13, 2011 in Rockford Memorial Hospital. He was born January 20, 1933 in Miltonvale, KN. The son of Jesse and Mona Lee. He came to Rockford and attended West High School. He married Phyllis Mezera in St John Church in Prairie du Chien, WI on April 18, 1953. Bill worked for 26 years on the Rockford Fire Department, then became State Fire Marshal. Member of St Bernadette Church, Venitian Club, Lombardi Club and Flatlander's Chapter of Muskies Inc., where he was one of the founders and the first President. Bill was an avid gardener, Bear's fan and Cub's fan and was always a proud grandpa. Also, he will be missed by his dog and walking companion, Sasha.Survivors include his wife, Phyllis. His five children, Mark (Patty), Steve, Scot (Suzanne), Mona Thornton and Tim. Grandchildren, Amy and Audrey Burks, Elaina Lee, Erica Lee, Kristin Lee and Ellenie (Adam Palmer) Lee, Daniel Thornton, Bill Lee and Ian Thornton. Great grandchildren, Alix Burks, Iris Garcia, Grace Clark, Robert Clark, Brooklyn Kohr, Mya Palmer and Angus Burks. Sister, Mona Almond. Sisters-in-law, Patricia Lee of Roscoe and Eleanor Lee of Durant, OK. Predeceased by his parents and three brothers, Dr. Marcus Lee, Judge Paul Lee and Carl lee.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10am Monday April 18, 2011 in St Bernadette Church. Visitation from 2pm until 5pm Sunday April 17, 2011 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home Riverside Chapel.