Guerdon 'Jerry' C. Schroeder

Guerdon C. Jerry Schroeder, 97, Rockford, died peacefully Sunday, February 14, 2010, in the home of his son. Born August 31, 1912, in Potosi, Wisconsin, the son of Carl and Dora (Oellerich) Schroeder. Jerry married Helen A. Lippolt on April 24, 1937, in Platteville, WI. She died February 15, 1999. He was a 1931 graduate of Potosi High School and attended Platteville Teachers College. Jerry came to Rockford in 1951, and worked for Red Dot Potato Chip Co., which later became Frito-Lay, from which he retired in 1974, as a district manager. Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Jerry thoroughly enjoyed his family and friends. We will miss his quick wit, that gleam and ready smile when he was teasing. He taught us so much about how to live a good life by his example. He was loving, hard working, honest, fair, generous, and forgiving.

Survived by his son, Steven (Priscilla) of Rockford; grandchildren, Lisa (Tim) Coe of Loves Park, Todd (Lisa) Schroeder of Aurora, and Casie Schroeder of South Beloit; great-grandchildren, Melissa and Daniel Coe and Jacob and Alyssa Schroeder. Predeceased by his wife, Helen and son, Jerry.

The family would like to extend their deep appreciation and thank you to all those who prayed for us, stopped by, sent a card, or asked about Dad. A special thank you to Karen Poffenberger for always making him feel so special and to the OSF Hospice team for their care and support. God is so good and all of us have been truly blessed through these months.

Funeral services will be 2pm, Thursday, February 18, 2010, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL with Pastor David Petty and Pastor Matt Sales co-officiating. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Visitation from 5pm until 7pm Wednesday, February 17, 2010, at the funeral home and from 1:30 pm until service time on Thursday. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.