John C. Layng

John (Jack) Courtlandt Layng, passed on quietly March 21, 2013, in his home surrounded by family. Jack was born in Rockford to Earle and Camilla (Timmons) Layng on September 8, 1921. He married the love of his life, Helen (Kit) Sodos on September 23, 1950 in St. Peter’s Church. They lived in the “enchanted cottage” for 62 years, raising their ten children. Jack received his bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He worked as an attorney in Rockford for 21 years and was elected a 17th Circuit Court Judge, serving for 19 years. He was the first Democrat elected in Rockford in 100 years! He retired from the bench in 1989. He served his country during World War II in the army infantry in the North African and European Theaters, earning two Purple Hearts, one Bronze Star, and a Combat Infantry Badge. He was a member of the VFW, Order of the Purple Heart, and American Legion; he was also a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the American and Illinois Bar Associations. He served on the Rockford Housing Authority, Draft Board and committee for the Illinois Supreme Court. During his tenure, he served as Head Juvenile Court Judge and Chief Judge of the 17th Circuit Court. Jack enjoyed playing baseball, golfing, watching his beloved Cubs, and socializing with friends and family. He always had a story to tell and never met a stranger. The sun rose and set behind his beautiful bride, Kit. His was a life full of love and happiness. Survivors include: his wife, Helen K. Layng, children, Mark (Jane) Layng of Lilburn, Ga., Steven Layng of Reston, Va., K.C. (Robert) McWilliams of Tallahassee, Fl., Earle (Teresa) Layng of Acworth, Ga., Deborah (Michael) Wypasek of Crystal Lake, Il., Theresa (Daniel) Rosner of Frankfort, Il., Patrick (Karen) Layng of Riverside, Il., Jacqueline (Paul Boes) Layng of Perrysburg, Oh., Suzanne (Daniel) Larson of Doylestown, Pa., and Christine (Darrick Wardenburg) Layng of Rockford, Il. Jack has 20 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Also survived by sister, Mary Ellen Haithcock of Alamo, Ca. He is preceded in death by parents, Earle and Camilla Layng, brother, Thomas Layng and sister, Virginia Millonig. Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at St. Bridget Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road and will continue at the church on Wednesday from 11:00 until the time of service. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Memorials made to Les Turner ALS Foundation, St. Jude, Salvation Army and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.