Ben J. Unangst

Ben J. Unangst, 89, of Rockford, died February 7, 2015 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. He was born March 1, 1925 in Polo, IL the son of Ben H. and Hazel (Wisner) Unangst. Served in the United States Army during WWII in North Africa and Italy as a medic. He married his loving wife, Jeannette Hetzel March 29, 1952. Ben worked as an engineer for Elco Industries for many years until his retirement. He is a former member of the American Legion and was very proud to have been part of an Honor Flight a few years ago with his fellow soldiers. The purpose of Honor Flight is to fly America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honoring their sacrifices. He was an avid sports enthusiast whose March Madness picks will be greatly missed by his grandson. He also enjoyed football, NASCAR, golf and cheering for the Bears, Hawkeyes, and Purdue Boilermakers . Ben was a great man who cherished his time with family and friends, he will be missed greatly by all that had the chance to meet him. Phone calls and visits from his grandchildren were a highlight to his day. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to his sister-in-law, Marlyn Hulstedt; his caring and supportive neighbors, his physicians, nurse practioner Jackie May and the 4 East staff at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center for their exceptional care and compassion.
Survivors include his daughters, Debra (Arnie) Pearse of Belvidere and Denise (Jay) Anderson of Roscoe; grandchildren, Jesse (Brandi) Pearse, Matt (Morgan) Anderson, Todd (Charli) Anderson, Brian Pearse; Amanda Pearse and Megan (Jason) Renaud; great grandchildren, Michael, Austin, Donavan, Kaileigh and Brewer and sister, Carol Martz of Shannon. Preceded in death by his wife, Jeannette and sister, Vera Rosenbaum.
Funeral service Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with OSF Chaplain, Dean Parker officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4 p.m. until time of service. A private interment will be held on Friday at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, 4130 Northwest Blvd, Davenport, IA 52806. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com