Obituaries

Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD. Obituaries

Local obituaries for the Rockford, IL area

Michael Fornal

Michael Fornal

April 20, 2017

Michael Fornal, 35, of Cherry Valley, died on Thursday, April 20, 2017. He was born in Rockford on March 18, 1982; to parents Stanley E. and Georgina “Jean” (Gulotta) Fornal. Michael attended East High School, and was a charismatic young man who was one of a kind. He had creative spirit, Michael loved music, art, and even gardening. Michael will...

Jay Thompson

Jay Thompson

April 19, 2017

Jay Thompson, 75, of Durand and formerly of Rockford, died peacefully Wednesday with his family at his side at Medina Nursing Home. Born April 13, 1942 in Centerville, IA the son of Marvin and Phyllis (Winger) Thompson. After graduating high school he joined the United States Navy and was honorably discharged. He later married his loving wife Jacqueline (Walco) in...

Marsha Johanna Dahlgren

Marsha Johanna Dahlgren

April 18, 2017

Marsha Johanna Dahlgren, 63, Rockford, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 18, 2017. She was born July 20, 1953, in Rockford, the daughter of Marshall and Odessa (Wold) Dahlgren. Marsha earned a biochemistry degree from Lake Erie College and studied briefly at Oxford and Oakland University. She won numerous awards as an equestrian and was invited to the U.S. Equestrian Team...

Lynn  A. Stutsman

Lynn A. Stutsman

April 17, 2017

Lynn A. Stutsman, 69, of Cherry Valley, died on Monday, April 17, 2017. She was born in Detroit, MI on April 23, 1947 to parents Pierce Jr. and Mary (Ferguson) Barker. Lynn married her husband Steven Stutsman on November 5, 1968 in Belvidere, Illinois. Lynn’s warmhearted nature drew her to the care and education of young children. She was instrumental...

Jean L. Persinger

Jean L. Persinger

April 16, 2017

Jean Loretta Persinger, 92, of Rockford passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, April 16, 2017. She was born on January 24, 1925 in Marengo, IL, the daughter of James and Loretta (Deneen) Higgins. She met Charles J. Persinger, and the two married on August 7, 1948 in Marengo. She was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church,...

Carlotta M. Baylor

Carlotta M. Baylor

April 16, 2017

Carlotta M. Baylor, 82, of Rockton, passed away April 16, 2017 at Highview in the Woodlands. Born December 20, 1934, the daughter of Carl H. & Letha M. (Bland) Johnson. Graduated from Rockford East high school. Married William “Bill” Baylor in Rockford on April 14, 1956. Member of Holy Family Catholic Church. She enjoyed traveling with her husband especially to...

Rosemary  Danaher

Rosemary Danaher

April 16, 2017

Rosemary Danaher, 96, Rockford, entered into eternal life on Sunday, April 16, 2017, in Presence St. Anne Center. She was born October 4, 1920, in Chicago, the daughter of Harry and Della (Higgins) Cassidy. She married John Danaher in Chicago on October 31, 1942. He entered into eternal life on August 1, 1997. Rosemary was an active member of St....

Ken Markley

Ken Markley

April 15, 2017

Kenneth Markley, of Rockford, son of Dean and Sylvia Markley, was born February 18, 1986. He passed on Saturday, April 15, 2017. His family includes sister, Michelle Markley; grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, many more relatives and friends, predeceased by his brother, Philip Markley. Ken had an imaginative mind, and was a dedicated affiliate to the video game culture, leading to...

Helen  S.  Schuller

Helen S. Schuller

April 12, 2017

Helen Sara Schuller, 92, of Rockford, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at home. Born January 1, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois; the daughter of Sara Markel (Drechsler) and John Markel. She married Joseph M. Schuller in Chicago, Illinois, on June 14, 1947 (married 69 years). Helen was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She loved hosting family functions and...

Eva P. Buckley

Eva P. Buckley

April 12, 2017

Eva P. Buckley, 81, of Rockford, died Wednesday, April 12, 2017. She was born on February 20, 1936, to parents Daniel W. and Grace D. (Hewitt) Buckley in Crystal Lake, Illinois. She worked for Precision Twist Drill as a Machine Operator for 10 years, retiring in 1973. Eva was a loving woman who's kindness will be remembered by all who...

Larry  H.  King

Larry H. King

April 11, 2017

Larry H. King, 60, of Roscoe, entered Heaven’s gates on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at UW Madison Hospital. Born October 19, 1956 in Modesto, CA the son of Jerry King and Alice (Shaw) Howard. Larry married Debbie Beam on October 7, 1978. Together, they had three daughters, Shannon (Josh) Nordgren, Stacey King, and Shelley (Joey) Courtaway. They have three precious...

Carol J. Hamilton Scott

Carol J. Hamilton Scott

April 10, 2017

Carol J. Hamilton Scott, 82, Rockford, passed away Monday, April 10, 2017, at SwedishAmerican Hospital due to complications after surgery. She was born September 13, 1934, in Eldora, Iowa, the daughter of Elmer and Altha (Warburg) Peterson. Carol lived in Rockford since 1952, coming from Waterman. She married Marshall Hamilton in Rockford on October 7, 1956. He passed away in...

Denise Gargani Dent

Denise Gargani Dent

April 8, 2017

The most fierce breast cancer fighter; Denise Gargani Dent, 62 of Rockford passed away peacefully Saturday morning at Rosewood Care Center. Her loving husband of 42 years, Greg Dent was by her side holding her hand. They shared a beautiful love story that inspired everyone. She adored her children Jamie (Jodi) Dent and her daughter and BFF Nicole Dent. She...

William E. Patterson

William E. Patterson

April 7, 2017

William Elmer Patterson, 87, of Rockford Passed away Friday, April 7, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was born April 25, 1929 in Moline, Il; the son of William Patterson and Pauline (Cleer) Patterson. William was the eldest of two children, his younger sibling being Judith Ann Patterson (Baker). William grew up in various towns throughout Illinois and Pennsylvania. He...

Ross E. Gustafson

Ross E. Gustafson

April 6, 2017

Ross E. Gustafson, 60, a lifelong resident of Rockford, died Thursday, April 6, 2017 at Swedish American Hospital after a brief illness. Born March 9, 1957 the son of Lawrence W. and Marjorie (Taylor) Gustafson. Worked for over 40 years in many capacities at J.L. Clark, most currently a fork lift truck operator. Ross was a dedicated employee who enjoyed...

Carl F. Buse

Carl F. Buse

April 4, 2017

Carl F. Buse, 72, of Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. He was born on June 9, 1944 in Belvidere, the son of Albert and Ella Marie Buse. For many years he drove trucks for companies in Rockford and in Ohio. Carl was a proud union member and supporter, particularly the Local 325. He was an avid motorcyclist...

Joseph L.  Peters

Joseph L. Peters

April 4, 2017

Joseph L. Peters, 43, of Machesney Park went to be with the Lord Tuesday, April 4, 2017. Joseph was born October 10, 1973, in Rockford, the son of Arza Rodger and Donna (King) Peters. Joe worked many years for Road Ranger now known as Fas Fuel making many friends who enjoyed his sense of humor. He was an avid White...

Jay Rush Maddox

Jay Rush Maddox

April 4, 2017

Jay Rush Maddox, 80, Rockton, passed away April 4, 2017, at his home. He was born April 21, 1936, in Vandergrift, PA, the son of John K. and Elizabeth Milliron Maddox. Graduate of Vandergrift High School, Penn State University, and University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Jay served in the U.S. Army at Fitzsimons Army Hospital, Denver, Colorado. He was...

James Darrell Rieker

James Darrell Rieker

April 2, 2017

James “Jim” Darrell Rieker, 71, Rockford, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 2, 2017. He was born October 4, 1945, in Chicago, the son of William and Grace (Dahlin) Rieker. Jim married Carol Lewis in Rockford on June 5, 1992. He was a Realtor in the Rockford area for many years. Jim enjoyed golfing, fishing and being a member of...

Tauhidah El-Amin "Mary Ann  Brown Johnson"

Tauhidah El-Amin "Mary Ann Brown Johnson"

March 30, 2017

Tauhidah El-Amin “Mary Ann Brown Johnson”, 74 of Rockford passed away March 30, 2017 at Swedish-American Hospital. Born on September 18, 1942, Chidester, Arkansas, the daughter of John Henry Brown and Icie Lee Walker. Graduated from West High School then later received her degree from P.C.C. She was married to Eddie Johnson for 27 years until his passing. She worked...