John Penrose

John R. Dick Penrose, 84, of Rockford passed away Saturday, December 29, 2012 at Swedish American Hospital.
Born January 22, 1928 in Quincy, Illinois; the son of William E. and Maude Adeline (Mitchell) Penrose.
Graduated from Quincy High School, Class of 1946.
He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Navy. Dick married Gwendolyn M. (Lussmyer) on May 22, 1948 who predeceased him on August 26, 1985.
He then married Karen L. (Olsen) Swanson on August 30, 1986.
Dick worked at Barber Colman as a Tool and Die Maker for 33 years. He was an active Boy Scout leader for 52 years receiving the Silver Beaver Award and the Order of the Arrow.
He enjoyed golfing and traveling. He was an election judge and a member of the Barber Colman Rife Team. nbsp;Dick taught roller skating as a professional roller skater as well as dancing.
He also took lessons in Florida to become a better croquet player.


Survived by his wife, Karen; children, Thomas R. Penrose of Springfield and Karen S. (Douglas A.) Gray of Irmo, SC; grandchildren, James A. (Kylene) Gray, Clayton Penrose, Joshua D. (Amanda) Gray; greatgrandchildren, Logan, Mikayla, Isabelle and Isaac Gray; stepchildren, Dana Swanson (Skip Gasal) of Oklahoma City, OK and Todd Swanson of Canton, IL; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and his cats, Jenny and Penny. Also predeceased by his parents, brothers, Robert R. and William E. Penrose and his cat, Buster.

Funeral service will be at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave wit Rev. Dr Murray Hanson officiating. Visitation from 5:00 pm until the time of service. A graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 4, 2012 in Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy Illinois. Memorial donations may be made to West Suburban Fire District, 3816 W State St, Rockford, Il. 61102 nbsp;or Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary 111 North First Street Rockford, IL. 61107.