William G. "Bill" Kilker

William G. “Bill” Kilker, 83, Rockford, passed away Friday, February 12, 2016, at Wesley Willows. He was born May 17, 1932, in Freeport, the son of Sherman and Blanche Kilker. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1950. He married Eleanor Deal on January 20, 1952, a marriage that has been blessed with 64 years of love and respect for each other. In the fall of 1952, he enrolled at the University of Illinois where he graduated in 1956, with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. They moved to Milwaukee, WI and he began his career in the machine tool industry. Bill was a licensed Professional Engineer. Early in his career he was very active in his church as well as the YMCA Indian Guides, Junior Achievements, and the Boy Scouts. He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church. After his retirement Bill was an AARP Tax Aid for 11 years. He preferred to lead from the side lines rather than be in the spotlight.
He and Eleanor were blessed with 2 sons, David (Cheryl) Kilker of Lake Mills, WI and Daniel (Gail) Kilker of Hampton, VA; his 5 grandchildren, Megan, Bryce, Sarah Jean, Blake, and Adam; his step-grandson, Jason (Beth) Pell of Williamsburg, VA; his great-granddaughters, Emma and Taylor Pell; his sister Carol (Roger) Baker of Fayetteville, AR and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 9, 2016, at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 9, 2016, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Av, Rockford, with Rev. Dr. Mark Hagen officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until time of service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wesley Willows Good Samaritan Fund. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Av. Rockford. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.