William Darrow Finley

William "Bill" Darrow Finley, 84William Darrow Finley, 84 of Rockford, passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2010 after a long illness at Amberwood Care Centre. Bill was born September 8, 1925 in Dodgeville, WI. Son of Richard and Genevieve (Darrow) Finley. He grew up and attended school in Mineral Point WI. Bill married Marjorie Mae Alexander (Kintz) and her two daughters Karen and Linda at the Cathedral of St. Peter on October 3, 1953. He was married to "his bride" for 57 years. Survivors; Wife, Marjorie; Daughters, Karen (Robert) Chavez of Albuquerque NM, and Linda (Gene) Stimart of Belvidere; Grandchildren, Phillip (Kathy) Clausen, David (Leela) Alexander and Ian Chalmers and two great grandchildren; Brothers, John (Joan) Finley, Step-brothers Donald (Loretta) Wilhelmson and David (Judy) Wilhelmson; half-brother, Paul (Glenda) Finley; Sister-in-laws, Vera Finley and Eileen Wilhelmson and numerous nieces and nephews and his long time friend and co-worker Rich Diehl. Predeceased by his parents and Sister Mary Tesch, Brother Robert (Bobby) Finley, Step-brothers, Walter and Robert Wilhelmson and his beloved step-mother Bonnie Finley, Son-in-law Bruce Clausen, Sister-in-law Ruby Martin and Mary Lou Lee. Bill worked many years as a tool and die maker retiring from Unison. In retirement he worked as a maintenance person for Fitzgerald Funeral Home and for Dorn flowers delivering flowers all over the N. Illinois and S. Wisconsin. Bill was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Bernadette Church for over 50 years. Member of Elks Club, Irish Marching Society and was a 3 rd degree member of Knights of Columbus Muldoon Council 470, and a 4 th degree member of the General Assembly 190. Bill enjoyed taking Sunday drives to the farm in Wisconsin, getting cheese. His proud Irish heritage, the Green Bay Packers, the Cubs and playing cards. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Amberwood and Passages Hospice for their care and compassion. A special Thank You to Kathy, Windy and Mike Boyer a good friend to Bill. Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Monday, June 21, 2010 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Burial in Burritt Cemetery. Visitation Sunday, June 20, 2010 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. with a rosary service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9 until 9:45 a.m. Monday at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family.