Albert L. Staehling

Albert L. Staehling, 76 of Rockford passed away Friday, March 27, 2015. He was born February 13, 1939 parents Paul and Dorothy (Rieke) Staehling. He lived in Cincinnati and attended school there until the family moved to Belvidere in 1954. He graduated from St. Thomas High School, Rockford, in 1958. He married Janet Chiodini at Cathedral Church (now Holy Family) on May 15, 1965 in Rockford. to whom he was married for 49 years. They moved to the Chicago area, settling in Crystal Lake, II for 42 years where they raised their only son, Michael. Al was a member of St. Thomas The Apostle church there. He worked at Signode Corporation, Glenview, now ITW, and the Paslode division of ITW in Lake Forest, II for 40 years. He retired in 2006 as a Senior Manufacturing Development Engineer. He also worked for ERA Industries in Franklin Park, Il. He formed his own company, Top Priority Services in 1988. He served in the Army reserves for six years; and belonged to the SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers).
After Al and Janet moved back to Rockford in 2008, he was a member of St. Rita Church. He spent many hours landscaping their home with flower and vegetable gardens. Al enjoyed his family and friends, fishing for salmon on Lake Michigan; house boating on the Mississippi River with his family; and traveling to all 48 states in their RV. He also loved spending time with his sister, Dorothy, which was possible when he moved back to Rockford. Al will be remembered for his love of his family, his easygoing manner and patience and his great work ethic. The family wishes to thank Valerie, Ray, OSF Hospice, and caregivers Chuka and Yola for their care in his time of need.
Survivors include his wife, Janet; son, Michael of Crystal Lake; sister, Dorothy (Jerome) Hughes; sister-in-law Rita Chiodini; brothers-in-law, Michael (Coleen) Chiodini and Stephen (Marcia) Chiodini; and many dear nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. Predeceased by his parents; sister, Toni Staehling Hall; and brother-in-law, Thomas Chiodini.
Funeral Mass 11 am on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at St. Rita Catholic Church 6254 Valley Knoll Dr., Rockford, IL 61109 with Fr. John Evans officiating. Visitation will be from 10 am to 10:45 am Tuesday morning at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rock River Valley Food Pantry 421 S. Rockton Avenue, Rockford 61102., St. Rita Catholic Church or the Leukemia Foundation; or, if you are able, donate blood at your local blood bank.