Max E. Ehrlich

Max E. Ehrlich, 88, of Rockford, IL entered eternal life on March 26, 2022, after giving all he had to life and those he loved. He was committed to his family, and his six children were blessed to be with him until the end. He was their hero. His passing created a hole that cannot be filled.

He was born to immigrant parents, Max and Margaret Ehrlich, in 1933, in New Lenox, IL, and grew up there with his parents and his brother, Paul. He graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1951. He served in active duty with the US Navy from 1952 to 1954. It was during his Naval service that he was introduced to the love of his life, Nancy Lindfors, of Rockford, IL. He graduated from Greer Technical Institute in 1956, and worked for over 38 years at Rockford Clutch, a division of Borg Warner.

Max and Nancy married in 1955 and were blessed with 64 years together centered on their Catholic faith, their growing family, and their commitment to each other. Max and Nancy were dedicated members of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, and Max served the church in many, many ways throughout his life. Max also served as a member and president of the Boylan Catholic High School Booster Club and volunteered in many capacities at the school over the years. Not only did Max work and save to send his six children through Catholic schools, he supported them in any way he could throughout his life. Max and Nancy made their family the center of their life together.

Max is survived by his brother Paul (Sally) Ehrlich of Port Washington, WI; his children Mary “Lisa” Chieppa, Sharon (Scott) Peterson, Steve (Elaine) Ehrlich, Joe (Gina) Ehrlich, Greg Ehrlich, and Jim Ehrlich; 19 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife, Nancy, his son, Michael, his parents and his brother, Rolf. The family wishes to give special thanks to the nurses and other staff at OSF St. Anthony Hospital who cared for Max over the years, especially the cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, and related OSF personnel as well as the caregivers who served him these last seven weeks from OSF Hospice - Rockford.

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass, located at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave. Rockford, IL 61103. Private entombment will conclude in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Max’s name to the Rockford Rescue Mission, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and OSF Hospice.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N Rockton Ave. Rockford, IL 61109. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com