William R. Brown

William R. Brown, 95, of Machesney Park died peacefully on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, after a short (non-Covid) illness, surrounded by his family. Born May 8, 1926, in Rockford, IL to John and Corrine Brown. Graduated from the first graduating class of West High School in Rockford, IL. Married Marilee Lawrence on February 14, 1949 in Rhinelander, WI. William worked for the Board of Education for over 30 years. He liked to travel, hunt with the boys, fish, work on projects around the house, paint, and was in a card club that played every week. He enjoyed spending weekends at Lake Puckaway in Montello, WI. for many years.
William was pre-deceased by his wife, Marilee Brown, in January, 2011 as well as his brother, Richard Brown and sisters, Phyllis Corby and Joyce “Sis” Harris. He is survived by children, Sue (Mike) Bedin, Robert (Karen) Brown, Kathy Brown, Mary Beth (Chuck) Clayton, and Larry (Denise) Brown; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; longtime family friends, Kelly Fowler and Loris Favors, brother, Jerry Brown, and extended family.
Visitation on Friday, October 22, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with a service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103. Masks will be required at the funeral home. Private interment for immediate family to be held on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Roscoe Sportsmen’s Club. Express condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com