James P. "Bish" Biesiadecki

James Peter “Bish” Biesiadecki, of Rockford, died from cancer on Monday, July 29, 2013 at Swedish American Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 12, 1944 in Chicago and was raised in Algonquin. Jim graduated from Woodstock Marion Central Catholic High, Loras College and NIU, where he received a Masters Degree. While at Loras, he met the love of his life, Rae Ann Yalden. They married in 1971 and had two daughters. He worked for many years in school finance in Rockford, East Moline and Belvidere. After his retirement, he consulted for area school districts. He was a long time member of the Rotary Club and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the United States Army. He was a kind and caring husband, father and friend. Survived by his wife, Rae A.; daughters, Bryn (Will) Watson and Beth (J.) Dietrich; beloved grandchildren, Avery and Drew Watson and Addie and Cooper Dietrich; sisters, Patricia (Bruce) Zange, Mary Jane (Bill) Wunschl; brother, Robert Biesiadecki; sister-in-law, Mary (Chuck) Steffens; brother-in-law, Raphael Yalden II and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2013 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1234 Church St., Rockford, with the Very Reverend Carl E. Beekman officiating. Visitation will be from 10:15 until the time of the service on Friday at the church. Private burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Loras College, Cathedral of St. Peter, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Discovery Center, where Bishie loved to spend time with his grandchildren.