Kenneth Brown

Kenneth Brown, 81, long time Rockfordresident, died Monday, November 12, 2012 in Rosewood Care Center.Born November 17, 1930 in Walnut, IL, son of Mason and Edna White Brown.Graduated from East High School in 1949.Married Betty A. Vincer in Rockford on October 30, 1954.He was a member of the Cathedral of St. Peter.He was also a member of the Lombardi and Verdi Clubs for many years. Veteran of the U.S. Navy. Employed for many years by Barcol Overhead Door Company.Kenneth loved his family and especially enjoyed telling his grandchildren great imaginative stories.The times he spent cooking out and sitting outside looking at the stars surrounded by his family were his best times.He had a special love for his dog and always enjoyed a good cigar.Survivors include his wife Betty; children, Donna (Rob) Kessler and Mark (TsuiYing) Brown; soninlaw, Brian Heitz; grandchildren, Chad (Stacee) Read, Khris (Hillary) Kessler, Kelly (Kelly) Noack, Ryan Kessler, Andrea Brown and Shawn Brown; greatgrandchildren, Rylee Noack, Avree Read, Michael Noack, Ella Kessler, Caleb Kessler, Anden Read, Kaiden Kessler; sisters, Lorita Vermeis, Frances (Richard) Huston, Sharon Yarbro, Kathy (Donald) Roerkohl, Laraine (Gerald) Williams, Barbara Reynolds; brothers, Gerald (Janet) Brown and Glen (Patsy) Brown; numerous nieces and nephews.Predeceased by his parents; daughter, Cerise Heitz and brother, Owen Brown.A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 17, 2012 in the Cathedral of St. Peter with Rev. Paul White officiating.Visitation from 1:00 p.m. until time of the Mass.Memorials may be made to OSF St. Anthony Hospice. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd.Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.