Obituaries
Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD. Obituaries
Local obituaries for the Rockford, IL area
El Louise Heitz
November 29, 2023
Vivian El Louise Heitz, 95 of Rockford, passed away at home on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 with her daughter Lori by her side. She fought a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease for more than 16 years. She left her earthly home for her eternal home with her savior Jesus Christ.
Born at home on July 20, 1928 in Polo,...
Lawrence "Larry" Dunlap
November 27, 2023
Lawrence C. Dunlap, 82, of Rockford passed away November 27, 2023. Born January 5th, 1941, in Rockford, IL. to Leslie and Ida (Kothe) Dunlap. Larry attended Highland Grade School, Lincoln Junior High School and East High School before attending Northern Illinois University. In 1961, Larry joined the Army where he spent the next three years serving his country, part of...
Daniel "Dan" Lee Smith
November 27, 2023
Daniel L Smith, 90, of Rockton, IL, passed away on November 27th. He was born on June 24, 1933, to Spurgeon and Ethel Carver Smith in Byron, Illinois. He was raised by his aunt and uncle Bob and Florence Cox. Dan graduated in 1951 from Byron High School. He served in the Navy from 1951 to 1956, last stationed at...
James Hendrickson
November 27, 2023
In humble reverence, we gather to honor the life and legacy of James Ernest Hendrickson, a faithful servant of the Lord, who peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on November 27, 2023. Born on September 27, 1945, in the serene town of Shullsburg, WI, James embodied a spirit of profound humility, gratitude, and deep respect for all of creation. His journey...
Kenneth "John" Malmberg Jr.
November 26, 2023
Kenneth “John” Malmberg Jr. passed away Sunday, November 26, 2023. Born in Springfield, Illinois on January 5, 1938, to Dr. Kenneth J. and Eunice (Rigge) Malmberg. He attended grade school and high school in Auburn, Illinois. Graduate of Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi. John entered the life insurance business with Connecticut...
Marie J. Beck
November 26, 2023
Marie J. Beck, 96, of Rockford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 26, 2023. Born on August 18, 1927, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the third of eight children to Stephen and Marie (Specht) Miskowitz. Marie was a proud graduate of St. Patrick Catholic High School, Elizabeth, class of 1944.
Marie married the love of her life, Frederick H. Beck, in 1948....
Brianna Taylor Lenz
November 25, 2023
Brianna Taylor Lenz, 22, of Rockford, passed away on November 25, 2023. She was born on January 16, 2001, in Rockford, Illinois, to Anthony and Theresa (Adams) Lenz. Brianna worked for Jimmy John’s in Rochelle. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. She will be dearly missed by her friends and family.
She is survived by her parents, Anthony...
Ronald Slabaugh
November 25, 2023
Ronald “Ron” D. Slabaugh, 66, Caledonia, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023. He was born March 10, 1957, in Rockford, the son of Paul and Donna (Brady) Slabaugh. Ron married Linda Alexander in Caledonia on December 2, 1994. He owned and operated Slabaugh and Sons excavating and house moving, retiring in 2021. Ron enjoyed his family, especially riding with...
Chauncey E. Wright
November 25, 2023
Chauncey E. Wright, 51, went to be with the Lord on November 25, 2023. Born on February 25, 1972 in Kenneth, Missouri, son to Edward and Patricia (Thatch) Wright. He went on to work for Target for over 17 years before working at Generac, where he was still working before his passing. He married his beloved wife, Heather Kolthoff, on...
Eleanor L. Kilker
November 25, 2023
Eleanor L. Kilker, 90, peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023 in Rockford, Illinois. She was born in Freeport, Illinois, daughter to Howard and Stella (Popp) Deal. She married William “Bill” Kilker on January 20, 1952; they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in February of 2016.
Eleanor liked being active, including woodworking, book clubs, bridge, and...
Robert M. Greene
November 24, 2023
Robert Morrison Greene, 81, passed away following a long illness. Robert was born in Chicago, IL on March 2nd, 1942, the eldest son of Jack and Marian Greene. After growing up in Lombard, IL, Robert attended the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, where he met his best friend and future wife, Valentina Wojtowicz. After graduation, the couple moved to St....
Judy Morrow Diehl
November 24, 2023
“A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met”
Judy Morrow Diehl of Roscoe, Illinois passed away of lung cancer on Friday, November 24, 2023, in her home, surrounded by her loving daughters. Judy was a spirited woman and would light up a room with laughter and a quip. She was born the youngest child of four to Ione and James...
Eugene T. Goral
November 22, 2023
Eugene T. Goral (Gene), 87, of Huntley, IL, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, November 22nd with his wife of 66 years, Betty, by his side. Along with his wife, he leaves his daughters Tami (Jim) Rich, Susan (Mark Craven) and son, David; and 5 adoring grandchildren : Alex (Alexandra), and Abby Jean Rich, Owen and Kelly Craven, and Grant Goral....
Lyla M. Deverdi
November 22, 2023
Lyla Marie DeVerdi, 99, of Rockford, entered into heaven on November 22, 2023. She was born on September 2, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska, and adopted by adoring parents Leslie and Clara (Day) Brown. They moved to Rockford where she met the love of her life - Tony. She married Tony DeVerdi on September 12, 1943, at St. Anthony Catholic Church,...
John L. Pryor Sr.
November 22, 2023
John Louis Pryor Sr., age 90, of Rockford, IL, passed away at home on November 22, 2023.
John was born on March 26, 1933, in Athens, Alabama, the son of Tony and Mrs. (Mathis) Pryor. John married Felicia A. (Cox) Pryor on March 19, 1953, in Rockford. They were married for 54 years before Felicia passed away in 2007. John was...
Jean E. Babcock
November 21, 2023
Jean E. Babcock, 96, of Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. She was born on September 9, 1927, in Waterman, Illinois, one of three daughters to Leon and Marian (Wentch) Foiles. She went on to obtain a degree from a business college and later, on August 23, 1947, she married the love of her life, Robert Babcock in...
Tani C. Schelling
November 19, 2023
Tani C. Schelling, 84, Rockford, died on Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Generations at Neighbors in Byron. Born June 10, 1939 in Rockford, daughter of George and Mary Gullo Russo. Graduated from Muldoon High School in 1957 and was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Married Harry G. Schelling, Jr. on August 29, 1959. He died July...
Joyce G. Pennow
November 19, 2023
Joyce Grace Pennow, 95, of Rockford, IL died on Sunday, November 19, 2023. She was born on March 3, 1928, in Rockford, IL, to Anthony and Grace (Evans) Kruit.
Joyce was a long-time member of Second First Church. She worked for Woodward Governor, retiring after 13 years of service. Joyce then married her loving husband and travel companion of 55 years,...
Steven "Steve" Laharne
November 18, 2023
Steven “Steve” Andrew Laharne, 73, of South Beloit, passed away on November 18, 2023. He was born on January 15, 1950, in Rockford, the son of John and Doris (Keene) Laharne. He served proudly in the United States Army from 1970 – 1972, serving in the Vietnam War. He married Melodee Steele on January 15, 1992, in Rockford. Steve worked...
Jane E. Phelps
November 17, 2023
Jane Nelson Phelps, 67, of Loves Park, Illinois passed away peacefully at home hospice on November 17. At her side was her husband Jim, her best friend Andrea Enderle, and her husband Dan.
Jane was the daughter of Kenneth Nelson, and Lucille (Bergland) Nelson of Leaf River Illinois. Jane graduated with a degree in education from Carthage College, and a masters...
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Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD. offers a collection of obituaries for Rockford, IL & Winnebago County. With services throughout Illinois that are updated regularly. Find local Rockford, Illinois obituaries and join us in celebrating memories and honoring their lives and legacies.
