Charles N. Kline

Charles Kline, 93, of Caledonia, IL passed away Saturday, February 18, 2017 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford, IL. Born December 6, 1923 in Detroit, MI, the son of Charlie & Gwyneth (Barrow) Kline. Charles was raised in Divernon, IL, graduated from Divernon High School, class of 1941. He went on to Illinois State, playing football, until he was drafted into the US Army Air Corps during WWII. Upon his return from the war. He met and later married Rita Dressendorfer of Springfield, IL on March 19, 1947 in Divernon. Charles was employed by Illinois Bell and later transferred to Mountain Bell, Tucson, Arizona where they welcomed their son, Ronald. Transferred again to Scottsdale/Phoenix where he worked for over 35 years. During his career he was involved in many organizations; he served as President, CWA local 8519, President, Arizona AFL-CIO, President, Telco Federal Credit Union and was a board member of the United Way. During his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family on weekends fishing, hunting, and playing golf. As a member of the Masonic Temple, he was an active member of the El Zariba Shrine Temple in Phoenix and Captain of the Roadrunners motorcycle drill team. Charles came to the Rockford area in 1998 to be close to family.
Survivors include son, Ronald; granddaughter Kimberly; brother Darrel (Norma) Kline, sister-in-law, Cathy Dressendorfer and numerous nieces and nephews across the country. Predeceased by parents, beloved wife of 63 years, Rita, brothers Robert and John.
Funeral service will 1 pm Friday, February 24, 2017 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL. 61108. Visitation will be from 12:30pm until time of service. Burial Service in Brush Creek Cemetery, Divernon, IL. will be held on Tuesday, February 27th at 11:00am. Memorial to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Send online condolence at www.fitzgeraldfh.com