Eugene "Gene" W. Karwelis

Eugene “Gene” W. Karwelis, 86, of Rockford, passed away on March 21, 2023 at OSF St. Anthony Hospital. He was born on June 3, 1936 in Rockford, the son of Charles and Lucille (Pujdak) Karwelis. He married Claudia Fatone on April 28, 1956, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Gene served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, yardwork, and clean cars.

Gene is survived by those who loved him most, his wife, Claudia; daughters, Debra (Chuck) Carter, and Denise (Jeff) Kays; grandchildren, Kim (Zach) Damon, David Carter, Samantha (Les) Tish, and Christina (Mike) Holmes; and great grandchildren, Austin and Genevieve Tish, and Gregory Holmes. He is predeceased by his parents, brothers, and sisters.

A public visitation will be on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road Rockford, IL 61108. Private burial will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.