William "Bill" R. Belt

William “Bill” R. Belt, 91, of Rockford, passed away Friday, April 29, 2016. Born February 28, 1925, in Peoria, son of Sylvanus “Ray” and Goldie (Thon) Belt. Bill joined the U.S. Army at 19 where he served as a Technical Sergeant. While overseas in Germany he met Eugenie Malinowska, and they were married on June 8, 1946. The couple had five sons until Eugenie’s passing on April 6, 1962. Bill was an inspector at J.I. Case in Rock Island. He relocated in Rockford and worked at Sundstrand Aviation as a supervisor for 24 years, where he met Carin Bookland, and married her on June 29, 1965. They enjoyed dancing, travel, golfing, and playing cards with their friends Joyce and Walt Pennow. Bill was a devoted husband, loving father, and wonderful grandfather.
Bill is survived by his wife, Carin Belt, of 50 years, his sons: John (Cheryl), Jim (Susan), Bob (Ilajane), George (Nancy), and Tim; stepdaughters, Penny Johnson and JoAnn (Richard) Saunders; grandchildren: Ted Belt, Marsha (Matt) Radkowski, J.R. (Maura) Belt, Wes (Beth) Belt, Annika (Travis) Finster, Casey (Cassie)Belt, Jeff Belt, Jason Barry, T.J., Presleigh Belt, Ryan, Alan, Eric Saunders and Collen Belt. Predeceased by his first wife Eugenie, and grandchildren, Tracy Scroggins, Todd Barry, and Michael Belt. The family would like to thank the Atrium and its staff for the care of Bill.
A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until time of service. Private Burial. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.