William E. Sterling

Rockford- William "Bill" E. Sterling, 88, died Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Provena St. Anne Center. Born May 1, 1922 the son of Arthur and Lora Sterling. Attended Walker School, Roosevelt Junior High School and graduated from Rockford High School class of 1940 where he was a participant in the ROTC program. Bill attended the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1944. He joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and remained a supporter of that organization all his life. From 1944 - 1946 he served in the United States Navy where he served as a radar/sonar technician. On May 24, 1947 he married his loving wife Marian C. Dooley, in River Forest, IL. Bill worked in Chicago for R.R. Donnelly for three years until he moved back to Rockford in 1950 to take a job with Twin Disc, Inc, retiring in 1990. He was and avid tennis player and golfer and took time to serve on his high school class reunion committee for many years. From a very young age, he had an interest in music. As a boy he took cello lessons and played in many school groups. He participated in the National High School Orchestra in 1938 and attended several state music conferences. At the age of 13 he was playing cello with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and went on to be involved with the RSO for many years . In 2009 Bill was awarded the Lifetime Award for 75 years of service to the organization. He was a generous and dedicated member of the Rockford community for many years. Along with his generosity to others, what his family and friends will miss the most will be his sense of humor. He had a quick wit and loved to laugh and practical jokes abounded in his younger years. Bill's family would like to thank Dr. John Dorsey, the entire staff at Provena St. Anne's Center, and most recently, the caregivers from Northern Illinois Hospice. Survivors include his children, Mary Kay (James) Seymour, Thomas Sterling and Sally (Peter) Sterling-Brommelkamp; granddaughter, Lora (David) Banks; three step grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, a son in infancy, and older sister and his wife of 61 years, Marian. Funeral Mass Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St. at 10:00 a.m. Interment in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation on Monday, April 18 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. from 5 - 7 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 6:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to: Goldie Floberg Center, 58 W. Rockton Rd. PO Box 346, Rockton, IL 61072 or Music Academy Foundation, PO Box 6333, Rockford, IL 61125.