Jerome "Jerry" Francis Vorwald

Jerome “Jerry” Francis Vorwald, 79, of Rockford, died unexpectedly in his home on Wednesday, January 20, 2016. He was born in Holy Cross, Iowa, on November 1, 1936; to parents Norbert and Lavina (Lynch) Vorwald. Jerry served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1961, as a member of the 80th Transportation Detachment. He went on to marry his loving wife, Kathleen Huddlestun on June 18, 1966; at St. Rita Catholic Church. Jerry and Kathy became devout members of Holy Family Catholic Church after their marriage. Jerry received his A & E license from Northrop in Inglewood, California; and moved to Rockford, IL in 1963. He worked at Hartzog and then later as Welder/Operator with the Local Union 150 at Rockford Blacktop, retiring in 1999. Jerry enjoyed tending to his garden and became a hobbyist woodworker after retiring. The most important part of Jerry’s life were his family and friends. He loved to chat with everyone and he will be remembered for his unique laugh. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa. He was so very proud of his family and he loved them all dearly.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathleen Vorwald; daughters, Christine (Loren) Mears, and Michelle Shields; grandchildren, Conner Mears, Travis Mears, Jesse Mears, Kol Shields, Sofie Shields; sister, Louella Cushing; sister-in-law, Dorrie Vorwald; brother-in-law, Urban Herbers; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents; 3 siblings, Eileen Herbers, Robert Vorwald, and Eugene Vorwald.

Funeral Mass will be 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 25, 2016; at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd., Rockford, IL, 61107. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of prayers at 11:45 a.m. on Monday. Burial will be private and on a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Jerry’s honor to Poor Clares Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 South Main St., Rockford, IL, 61102; or to Holy Family Catholic Church. Funeral arrangements cared for by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108.