G. William Guirl

G. William "Bill" Guirl, 92, Rockford, died Wednesday, November 28 in his home. Born June 25, 1920 in Rockford, son of George W. Guirl, Sr. and Emma Litton Guirl. Graduated from Rochelle High School and the University of Illinois. Married Margaret Coogan in Lincoln, IL on June 25, 1949. Veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served in the Philippines during WWII. After earning his BS in mechanical engineering, he worked for Sundstrand Aviation, retiring in 1984 after 35 years. Member of the Cathedral of St. Peter and the Knights of Columbus where had once served as Grand Knight. Bill was active in various professional engineering and engineering related organizations. He was a charter member and past Chairman of the Board of the Rockford Regional Academic Center, past president, Rockford Area Engineering Graduate Study Council, member of the advisory committee, VoTech Education, Rock Valley College, and active member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Following their retirement, he and Margaret spent many winters on Jekyll Island, GA where he enjoyed golf, painting and genealogy. In 2009 he published "Unfolding Lines" , a Guirl family history, completing work started by his father, telling storied of the family roots. Bill was a wonderful mentor to his children, stressing the importance of education and hard work. He extended this to his grandchildren who he supervised and trained in maintenance chores on the family farm.Survivors include his children, Tom (Barb) Guirl and their children Cara, Jamin (deceased), and Danielle; Jim (Wayna) Guirl, Simpsonville, SC and their children Christopher, David and Stephen; Sally (Doug) Mark and their children Andy (Beth), Tom, Alison, Charlie, Johnny and Matthew; Bob (Marion) Guirl and their children, Ellen and Mike; Julie Guirl (Tim Swain greatgrandchildren, Billy, Kaleb, Ileah,Samantha, Stella, Sadie and Sloan; brothers, Nick (Marge) Guirl and Russ (Sue) Guirl. Predeceased by his parents, his wife on February 14, 2010, his sons Phil in 2008 and infant son William and his brothers, Mort and John.Memorial Mass at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 8, 2012 in the Cathedral of St. Peter with Rev. Carl Beekman officiating. Memorial visitation from 57 p.m. Friday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. and from noon until time of the Mass on Saturday at the church. There will be a private family burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Lincoln, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Milestone Inc., 4060 McFarland Rd. or St. Peter School Endowment Fund, 1243 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61103. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com