Harriet A. Mentzer

Harriet A. (Mihm) Mentzer, 97, of Rockford, died on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Born in Creston, Illinois on July 19, 1925, the daughter of Joseph and Rachel (Hannan) Mihm. She graduated from West High School, class of 1943. She also attended Rockford Business School. She married Ray E. Mentzer on September 15, 1945, in Rockford, he preceded her in death on April 16, 1997. She worked for Amerock-IBM Department and was a Supervisor of IBM at Gates Rubber Company. She was a former member of Legion of Mary, and grief ministry at St. Edwards Catholic Church. She was a facilitator for joyful again and spent many weekends at Bishop Lane’s Retreats. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, and playing cards. She was a loving caregiver of many family and friends. She had a spitfire sense of humor, was very strong willed, family oriented, and absolutely adored her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Connie (Dennis) Sammons of Arizona, Sheryl (Joseph) Mannone of Rockford, Craig (Marianne) Mentzer of Rockford, son-in-law, Jerry Wiltfang of Rockford, and Brad (Valerie) Mentzer of Rockford; grandchildren, Christopher (Jennifer) Sammons, Matthew (Katie) Sammons, Melissa (Mike) Zimmerman, Sarah (Steven Holgate) Mannone, Paul Mannone, Megan (Jordan) Martin, Hannah (Peter) Junor, and Stephanie (Alex) Kuhl; 15 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents; husband, Ray; daughter, JoAnne Wiltfang; 2 infant daughters, Collette and Rebecca; grandson, Eric Wiltfang; and 2 brothers, George and Miles Mihm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at 11:00 am, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, 61107. A visitation will take place prior to the service starting at 10:00 am. Burial will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mentzer Family. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.