Wilson B. Howard

Wilson B. Willie Howard, 92, Rockford, passed away Friday, November 19, 2010, in his home surrounded by his loving family and friends.nbsp; He was born November 19, 1918, in Byron , the son of George and Barbara (Drabeck) Howard.nbsp; Willie lived 43 years in Rockford, coming here from Byron.nbsp; He married Julia Anna Krawczyk in Rockford on July 5, 1958.nbsp; Willie was employed at Ingersoll Milling Machine Company in sales and service for 43 years.nbsp; He officially retired in 1981, but continued working until he was 83 years old.nbsp; He was a veteran of the Navy serving as a 3 rd Class machinist mate in the Philippines and South Pacific during WWII.nbsp; Member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, nbsp;3 rd degree member of Knights of Columbus Muldoon Council 470 and a 4 th degree member of the General Assembly 190, Holy Name Society, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Navy Club, and the YMCA .nbsp; Willie was an avid hunter, golfer, gardener, and fisherman.

Survived by his wife of over 50 years, Julia; many nieces and nephews; and his ever faithful caregiver, Godchild and friend, Rhonda Peterson.

Predeceased by his parents; infant son, George; and 13 brothers and sisters.nbsp; The family wishes to thank Passages Hospice for their loving and compassionate care, especially, Kim and Liz.nbsp;

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am, Wednesday, November 24, 2010, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 201 Buckbee St., Rockford, IL, with Fr. Peter Sarnicki officiating.nbsp; A luncheon will be served immediately following the services at church.nbsp; Burial in the Byron Cemetery.nbsp; Visitation will be from 4:00pm until 7:00pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2010, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Av. Rockford, IL 61103 and from 10:00am until 10:45am on Wednesday at the church.nbsp; In lieu of flowers, memorials to Passages Hospice, 929 S. Alpine Rd. Rockford, IL 61108.nbsp; Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com