Lee D. Weckerly

Lee D. Weckerly, 81, Rockford, died at 1:35 a.m. Thursday, March 19, 2009 in Provena St. Anne Center. Born in 1928 in Freeport, son of Jesse and Hazel Woods Weckerly. Graduated from Freeport High School. Rockford resident for the past 30 years. Married Vel Rumer on December 8, 1979 in Rockford. He retired in 1985 as a General Manager of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. where he achieved membership in the prestigious Presidents Circle. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church serving on both the Parish Board and the board of the Bishop Lane Retreat Center. He was president of the Divorced Catholic Group and a facilitator for the Remarriage Counseling Retreats. He shared his creative story-telling in elementary schools within the Rockford School District, where he was fondly known as ""Papa Lee"" . Loved to cook and bake bread. A gracious host and entertainer, Lee was most content when he had his family, especially his grandchildren, around him. Survivors include his wife, Vel; children, Randall (Joanne) Weckerly, Kerry (Deb) Weckerly, Michael (Sandra) Weckerly; step-children, David (Karen) Rumer, Susan Rumer, Sally (Kevin) Ittig and Janet (Chris) Johnson; grandchildren, David Lee and Alexander Jay Rumer, Shannon Ittig, Sarah Hauser, Adam Johnson, Jessica, Maddie and Conner Weckerly, Erin Weckerly, Scott, Ryan, Andrew and Adam Weckerly. Also survived by his sisters, Jeanette Miller, Vida Ferry, Betty Fenton, Naomi Hughs and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, brothers, Robert and Bradley Weckerly and infant sister, Eileen Weckerly. Lees family would like to give a special thank you to the loving and caring staff at Provena St. Anne Center and Visiting Nurses Association. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2009 in Holy Family Catholic Church with Msgr. Thomas E. Bales officiating. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation from 9a.m. until 10:45a.m. Thursday in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Visiting Nurses Association or Visiting Nurses Association Hospice. Condolences and remembrances can be shared with the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com. Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd.