George H. Blakesley

George H. Blakesley, born January 28, 1921 in Rockford, IL died on December 19, 2010, at the age of 89. He was the son of Rose and Harold Blakesley. George lived his entire life in Rockford, where he married Joan Jacques on June 28, 1947.George graduated from Rockford Central High School in 1939. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps from June 1942-December 1945, during which he spent 28 months in the South Pacific.George was employed by W.F. & John Barnes Co. for 43 years, retiring in 1981. He was Operations Manager for several years. After retirement he worked as Head Cashier at Elliot Golf Course for 19 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks and Moose Lodges and was President of W.F. & John Barnes Alumni Club. Survivors include beloved wife of 63 years, Joan; children: Kathy (Jon) Eliason, Mary Avery and Robert (Lynel) of Phoenix, AZ. Seven grandchildren: Matthew (Angela Irwin) and Michael Vitell; Taylor, Brieanna, Tracy Blakesley of Phoenix, AZ, and Alicia Hardwick of Anchorage, AK ; Rob Avery (fiancé Erin Corzine), great granddaughter Isabel Vitell, many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents, sister Bonnie Valentine and niece Margaret Valentine.Thank you to the nurses and physicians of OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center for their excellent and compassionate care and to the wonderful staff of DaVita Dailysis/Churchview. Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at Holy Family Catholic Church with visitation prior from 9:00 to 11 a.m. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Diabetes Association or Northern Illinois Hospice.