Obituaries

Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD. Obituaries

Local obituaries for the Rockford, IL area

Stephan C. Skridla

Stephan C. Skridla

July 29, 2026

Stephan C. Skridla, 73, of Rockford, passed away at home on July 29, 2026. Born in Rockford, IL, on October 28, 1952, to Frank and Joyce (Harlacher) Skridla. Stephan was a proud U.S. veteran, serving in active duty from 1972 through 1976, then joining the Army Reserves and National Guard from 1976 through 1984. After graduating officer candidate school, his...

Michael David Bracken

Michael David Bracken

July 28, 2026

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Michael David Bracken, lovingly known as Mike, Big Mike, or Pudge, departed this life on July 28, 2026, in Madison. Born on November 28, 1956, in Kewanee, Illinois, the middle son of Robert and Lois (Schultz) Bracken. Mike’s journey through nearly seven decades left an indelible mark on all...

Sandra L. Forberg

Sandra L. Forberg

July 28, 2026

Sandra L. Forberg, 86, passed away on July 28, 2026, in her hometown of Rockford, Illinois, surrounded by her family. Born on September 6, 1939, she was one of two daughters to Laverne and Faye (Quist) Sampson. She would go on to graduate from East High School, class of 1958, and shortly after she would marry her beloved Stanley “Keith”...

Linnea Liken Aduddell

Linnea Liken Aduddell

July 28, 2026

Linnea passed peacefully in the early hours of July 28, after a brief illness. Born on December 5, 1933, she was the oldest child of John Alva Liken and Dorothy Olive Teas. Much of Linnea’s childhood was spent in Creston, Iowa, and the 1920’s colonial house where the Likens lived became a favorite gathering place for aunts, uncles, cousins and...

Doris R. Doyle

Doris R. Doyle

July 25, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Doris R. Doyle, who left this world on July 25, 2026, after eighty-nine years of a life marked by unwavering strength, fierce devotion, and endless care for those she loved. She was born on January 6, 1937, the daughter of Clarence and Margaret Ruhl in Chicago, IL. She graduated from Lindblom High...

Neva J Wilson

Neva J Wilson

July 23, 2026

Surrounded by family and loved ones, Neva Jean Wilson passed away on July 23, 2026, exactly one week after celebrating her 96th birthday.

Neva was born Neva Jean Tielkemeier on July 16, 1930, in Rock City, Illinois, where she was lovingly looked after by her older brothers, Francis and Leo. She graduated from Dakota High School in 1948, where she also...

Maria C. Bermingham

Maria C. Bermingham

July 23, 2026

Maria C. (Cuppini) Bermingham, 70, of Rockford, Illinois, died peacefully at home on July 23, 2026, surrounded by her family after a brief fight with a rare and aggressive cancer. She was born February 4, 1956, in Rockford, the daughter of Geno and Dolores (Pro) Cuppini.

From an early age, Maria stood out for her energy and the warmth she extended...

Teresa Faye Maylum

Teresa Faye Maylum

July 22, 2026

Teresa Faye Maylum, 64, of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, at her home.

She was born March 11, 1962, in Rockford, the daughter of Leonard and Josephine Klonicki. Teresa graduated from Boylan Catholic High School in 1980 and spent most of her life in the Rockford area before moving to Bloomington in recent years. Earlier in life,...

Elizabeth "Liz" Ann Beale

Elizabeth "Liz" Ann Beale

July 22, 2026

Elizabeth “Liz” Ann Beale, 89, Rockford, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. She was born on February 11, 1937, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Ray and Margaret (Walter) Unmacht. An Iowa girl at heart, Liz graduated from Wartburg College in 1959 and moved to Rockford, IL. Liz was...

Albert J. Saporiti

Albert J. Saporiti

July 21, 2026

Albert Joseph “Al” Saporiti

October 12, 1944 – July 21, 2026

Albert Joseph “Al” Saporiti, 81, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on July 21, 2026.

Born on October 12, 1944, in Rockford, Al was the son of Albert L. and Alice (Dohkus) Saporiti. A lifelong member of the Rockford community, Al built a life centered around family, friendship, hard work, and the firm belief that...

Francisca C. Betancourt

Francisca C. Betancourt

July 20, 2026

Francisca (Conchita) Betancourt, 86, Rockford, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026. She was born on December 3, 1939, in Havana, Cuba, the daughter of Manuel Vento and Dominga Gonzalez. She married the love of her life, Oscar Betancourt on September 23, 1961, in Cuba, where they remained married for 64 years. She worked as a housekeeper for Elmhurst Hospital...

Mary C. Ubersox

Mary C. Ubersox

July 20, 2026

Mary C. Ubersox, 79, of Cherry Valley, passed away at home on July 20, 2026, after battling Parkinson’s disease for 26 years. She was born in Shullsburg, WI, on November 3, 1946, to James T. and Ella M. (Cherry) Harty. She worked for SEMS in the human resources department for 28 years. In her free time, she loved spending time...

Sandra M. Lewis

Sandra M. Lewis

July 19, 2026

Sandra "Sandee" Marie Lewis was the true spark plug of her family, bringing a vibrant energy and a fierce, unwavering love to those closest to her. A remarkably intelligent woman, she possessed a brilliant mind and an enviable, steel-trap recall for numbers. She was an avid reader who approached life with a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor,...

Robert Polanowski

Robert Polanowski

July 15, 2026

Robert "Bob" Polanowski, 74, passed away on July 15, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois. Born October 17, 1951, to Adam and Victoria (Andrejewski) Polanowski, Bob grew up in Escanaba, Michigan, before his family settled in Mount Prospect, Illinois.

On September 15, 1973, he married the love of his life, Judith Schrader, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned nearly 53 years. Bob was...

Carolyn S. Elliott

Carolyn S. Elliott

July 13, 2026

Carolyn was an ardent, devoted teacher loved by her students for 47 years.

After retiring from teaching at Rockford Public Schools, she became an Adjunct Professor at Judson College. She was born, raised and graduated High School as Valedictorian in Paris, Illinois.

After graduating from University of Illinois and obtaining her Teachers certificate, she earned her Master's degree from Rockford College. Aside...

Charles Gerald Walter

Charles Gerald Walter

July 13, 2026

Charles Gerald Walter, Rockford, IL passed away at his home on July 13, 2026. Charles was born in Dekalb, IL on May 8, 1939. He was affectionately known as “Chuck or Gery” to his friends and family. Chuck graduated from Shabbona High school and continued his education at the prestigious Ray Vogue School of Arts in Chicago. He had a...

David J. Gagliano

David J. Gagliano

July 13, 2026

David J. Gagliano, “Dave” to just about everyone who knew him, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 72.

Dave was born on February 7, 1954, in Rockford, Illinois, to John Gagliano and Jean (Mattoon) Lawrence . As the second of seven children, family was part of who he was from the very beginning,...

Carolina Rodriguez

Carolina Rodriguez

July 11, 2026

Carolina Rodriguez, 55, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in her home. She was born in Canoas De Arriba, Mexico, on July 8, 1971, the daughter of Gildardo Arreguin and Maria Angelina Montoya. She married Guadalupe Rodriguez on July 27, 1996, in Rockford.

She worked for Cintas for many years and was a long-time member of Saints Peter and Paul...

Judith Ann Condon

Judith Ann Condon

July 10, 2026

Judith “Judy” Ann Condon, 85, of Rockford, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026.

Judy was born in Rockford, IL on August 24, 1940, the daughter of Frank P. and Claire (Schneider) Wilson. She graduated from High School and went on to earn her master’s degree in education from Marquette University. Judy worked for over 50 years as a dedicated teacher...

Rev. Mark Philip Helge

Rev. Mark Philip Helge

July 8, 2026

Rev. Mark Philip Helge, 76, Rockford, suffered a tragic fall on July 4th and died of complications on July 8th, 2026. He is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Kathleen, their two sons, Andrew and Joel; their daughters-in-law Malinda and Alexa; and grandchildren, Oliver, Eva, and Malulani. He was preceded in death by his parents, Janet and Lester...