Merlin W. Fenelon

Merlin "Punk" Fenelon, 85of Rockford, died Wednesday, February 29, 2012 in his home surrounded by his family. Born July 2, 1926 in Dubuque, IA the son of Maurice and Dolores (Horsch) Fenelon. Graduate of St. Thomas High School Class of 1944 and a WWII Veteran of the United States Navy. Married Therese F. "Terry" Noble on Feb. 19, 1949 in Rockford, she preceded him in death in 1996. Punk worked for ComEd working his way up the ranks from lineman to supervisor and retired in 1989. A member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, a 3 rd degree Knights of Columbus and a member of the Belvidere Moose Club. He loved to travel, golf, dance, roller skate, and was a licensed pilot. His family will always remember him as the "brown bag santa" , having gifts bought in January for the following Christmas. Once gifts were done being handed out, here came grandpa with another load full. He was a wonderful man with a big heart, he will be missed greatly by all. The family wishes to thank Bobby, Marji and Kim for all of their wonderful care and support these last few weeks. Survivors include his loving companion, Marian Miller of Rockford; children, Mary (Don) Kocher of Sycamore, Patrick (Marji Moth) Fenelon of Machesney Park, Erin (Pat) Crossen of Alabama and Timothy (Erick Knaus) Fenelon of Rockford; 11 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death also by his parents, wife,2 brothers and 2 sisters. Funeral Mass Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Interment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation Friday, March 2 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside chapel 3910 N. Rockton Ave from 47 p.m. with a rosary service to be recited at 7 p.m.. Visitation continues on Saturday at church in the Parish Hall from 9 a.m. until time of prayer at 9:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorials to St. Bernadette Catholic Church or to the Augustinians Province of St. Thomas of Villanova Mission at www.augustinian.org.