Bert John Fennel

Bert John Fennel, 79
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend

Bert John Fennel, 79, Rockford, passed away from a sudden illness at Rockford Memorial Hospital on Friday, October 11, 2013 surrounded by his beloved family. He retired in 1991 as a design engineer from Sundstrand Corp. following 35 years of employment.

Bert is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Marita; six children, Susan (Rick) Polhill, Jolene (Terrence) Zellers, Tom (Lori) Fennel, Janet (David) Roman, Karen (Kelly) Finley and Mark (Tina) Fennel; 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Virginia Fennel; his brother James Fennel and his granddaughter, Jessica Nolan.

Bert enjoyed many things in life-good food, good wine, travel, fishing and taking care of his home. Most of all he was a proud family man, always quick with a comeback. He will be forever in our hearts.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 17, 2013 in St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorial visitation from 9:30 a.m. until time of the Mass at the church on Thursday. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.