Harold C. Brandlein

Dr. Harold C. Brandlein, 76, of Rockford IL departed this world peacefully on April 30th with his wife by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Chicago, IL on December 24, 1932 the son of Fredrick and Margaret Wurm Brandlein. He married Eileen Jones in 1955. Harold graduated as President of his class from Loyola University of Chicago, School of Dentistry in 1957. He was awarded life membership to the Blue Key National Honor Fraternity. He obtained a specialist degree in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Illinois in 1963. He served as President of the Winnebago County Dental Society (1979-80) of which he is a life member. He received many honors for his expertise in pediatric dentistry. He retired in 1992 after 30 years of dedication to children""s dental health. He was very devoted to the Catholic faith. He served as head of the building and grounds committee which was responsible for the construction of Holy Family Church in 1975. For 32 consecutive years he attended the Jesuit retreat in Oshkosh, WI. He held a private pilot""s license and was an avid aviator. He traveled the country as a member of Blackhawk Flying Club and the Flying Dentists Association. He led an active life and was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed numerous sports and hobbies including sailing, boating, fishing, skiing, racquetball, hiking, camping, and woodworking. He loved the outdoors, especially summers in Door County WI and winters in Sarasota FL. Husband, father, grandpa, friend, and dentist. Harold left his mark on thousands of lives and smiles. He was loved by many who often stopped to tell him their memories of ""you were my dentist when I was growing up"". Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Eileen: His children: Jeff (Cindy) Brandlein, Nancy (David) Muskat, Diane Brandlein, Marianne (Lance) Miller, Barbara (Robert) Beckett. His pride and joy, 12 grandchildren: Lisa, Tracy, Kelly, and Julie Muskat; Carl, Ellen, and Mark Miller; Katherine, Kevin, and Kyle Beckett; Zeb, and Joleen Brandlein. Sisters: Vicky (Joseph) Biritz, and MaryBeth Miller. Sister in laws: Ruth Guercio, and Patt (Howard) Hathcoat. Brother-in-law Bill (Gloria) Jones. Numerous nieces and nephews and very special friends. Predeceased by his parents, brothers Walter and Freddie; and infant son Mathew. Funeral Mass will be Monday, May 4, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Family Catholic Church with the Msgr. Thomas E. Bales officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 1-5 p.m. in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108, and from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass Monday in the church. Interment to follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Jesuit Retreat House, 4800 Fahrnwald Rd., Oshkosh, WI 54902; Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State St., Rockford, IL 61101 or the Goldie B. Floberg Center, 58 W. Rockton Rd., Rockton, IL 61072. To express condolences to the family online please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.