Obituaries
Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD. Obituaries
Local obituaries for the Rockford, IL area
Ryan M. Heideman
January 5, 2026
Ryan Michael Heideman, 23, of Roscoe, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026. Born in Rockford, IL, on February 10, 2002, to Kevin and Melissa (Barber) Heideman. Ryan graduated from Hononegah High School in 2020. After finishing high school, he became a welder, which he enjoyed very much, working for MTL Manufacturing and Equipment.
Ryan was one of a kind, a...
Jean Niesman
January 4, 2026
Jean Niesman, 82, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on January 4, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin after a complication from surgery. She was born on August 4, 1943, in Elmhurst, Illinois daughter to Norman and Betty (Grant) Pohley. Jean spent her working career as an assistant mortgage officer and later enjoyed volunteering with the Rockford Park District. In her personal life,...
Karen A. Owens
January 3, 2026
Karen's obituary is still pending at this time.
A Funeral Service will be on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 502 Orth Road Loves Park, IL 61111, with a visitation prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Highland Memory Gardens in Beaver Dam, WI.
Eva Mae Brown
January 2, 2026
Eva Mae Brown, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois, at the age of 86. She was born on March 20, 1939, in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of Charles and Jessie (Hoots) Longcor. Eva was a passionate, warm-hearted woman whose caring nature touched everyone she met. On January 5, 1969, she married the love of her life,...
Lucille E. Nadolski
January 1, 2026
Lucille E. Nadolski, 95, of Rockford, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Lucille was born in Chicago, IL, on March 24, 1930, the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Dreas) Czerniejewski. During childhood, her family moved from Chicago to downstate Ashley, IL, where they lived on a farm. Lucille learned to value hard work at a young age, which led to...
Miguel “Mikey” A. Mercado III
January 1, 2026
Miguel “Mikey” Angel Mercado III, 26, of Poplar Grove, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 1, 2026, in Rockford. He was born on April 20, 1999, in Park Ridge, IL, the son of Miguel and Wema (Barkho) Mercado. Mikey was a loving, caring, and funny young man. Mikey found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He...
Joy M. Wiedenhoeft
December 31, 2025
Joy M. Wiedenhoeft, 89, passed away in Rockford, Illinois on December 31, 2025. Born in Osseo, Wisconsin on April 18, 1936, Joy’s journey began after graduating Whitewater High in the small town of Whitewater Wisconsin. This laid the foundation for her warm and compassionate character. She would go on to meet Wayne Wiedenhoeft, at the local pub after a night...
Tommy Darrell Freeman
December 31, 2025
Tommy Darrell Freeman, age 80, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025. He was born on June 11, 1945, in Morganfield, Kentucky, and grew up in Marion, Kentucky. He later made his home in Madisonville, Kentucky, where he spent the majority of his adult life.
In his early life, Tommy was adventurous and spirited, often teaming up with his partner-in-crime sister...
Karl W. Noltemeier
December 29, 2025
Karl W. Noltemeier, 97, of Rockford, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025.
Karl was born in Freeport, IL on February 27, 1928, the son of William and Esther (Heilman) Noltemeier. He graduated from Freeport High School and went on to earn his master’s degree in divinity and later earned a master’s degree as a licensed clinical social worker through Washington...
Dorothy Ann Kerestes
December 29, 2025
Dorothy Ann Kerestes passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on December 29, 2025, in Rockford, Illinois. She was born on July 28, 1938, in Streator, Illinois, the daughter of Andrew and Susan (Ritko) Lebo. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Dorothy's life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her family and her profound love for...
Rev. John "Russell" R. Skorburg
December 29, 2025
Rev. J Russell Skorburg was called to Heaven on December 29, 2025 at the age of 91.
Born December 30, 1933, to Stanley and Julia Westland Skorburg, he attended Rockford East High School and graduated from College of Emporia where he studied sports journalism and served as a cheerleader, participated in student politics and theater.
While attending Emporia, he met the love...
Sundina L. Dobratz
December 28, 2025
Sundina L. (Ricardo) Dobratz, 102, Rockford, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Rockford. She was born on March 29, 1923, in Rockford, the daughter of Salvator and Florence (De Mattio) Ricardo. She married her husband Richard A. Dobratz on June 25th, 1949.
Sandy is survived by her daughter, Florence (Steve) Carlson; her sons, Michael Dobratz...
Loralee Marie Janssen
December 26, 2025
Loralee Marie Janssen, 66, of Mt. Morris, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025. She was born on November 30, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois, to LeRoy and Dolores (Warchol) Krueger. Loralee grew up in Palatine, Illinois, and graduated from Harper Community College with a degree in Dental Hygiene before settling in Rockford, Illinois. She spent most of her career serving...
Richard R. Bailey
December 25, 2025
Richard “Dick” R. Bailey, 82, of Cherry Valley, IL passed away at his home after a short illness. Dick was born May 3, 1943, in Beloit, WI the son of Meral and Bernice (Watson) Bailey. He attended Beloit Memorial High School graduating in 1961, and later joined the U.S. Army. Dick married the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Nelson...
Jane R. Hesler
December 24, 2025
Jane came into this world on an extremely warm day, August 31, 1947. She was greeted by her older (two weeks senior) cousin, Elizabeth Keegan. They were gifted with their first and lifelong friendship.
As Jane grew, it was clear she developed a strong empathy for others and an interest in the culinary arts. This became her career in food services....
Mary C. Bonavia
December 24, 2025
Mary Catherine Bonavia, 78, of Rockford, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
Mary was born on September 28, 1947, in Rockford, Illinois, the daughter of Harry Notari and Grace Huff. She graduated from Harlem high school, Class of 1965 and later attended Rock Valley College. Mary married Michael P. Bonavia on June 10, 1967, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in...
Sandra K. Walker
December 24, 2025
Sandra K. (Frenk) Walker, 81, passed away at home on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
Sandra was born in Harvard, IL on January 29, 1944, the daughter of John and Gertrude (McConnell) Frenk. She graduated from Harvard High School, Class of 1962. Sandra married Joseph F. Walker on April 16, 1966, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvard, IL, where they attended services....
Bobby L. Lavely
December 23, 2025
Bobby Lee Lavely, 86, went home to the Lord peacefully and surrounded by family on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at OSF Saint Anthony Hospital in Rockford. He was born on July 28, 1939, in Vincennes, Indiana, to Orville Lee and Ruby Marie (McKinney) Lavely. Bob was a U.S. Navy Veteran with 20 years of career service, earning significant technical skills...
Michael Zaker
December 23, 2025
Michael R. Zaker, 78, Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in Rockford. He was born on January 5, 1947, in Waukegan, IL, the son of Michael and Mary (Jasperson) Zaker.
He is survived by his daughter, Molly (Brian) Litman; his grandchildren, Nicholas Litman and Chloe Litman; his brother, William (Sue) Zaker; and his sister, Sharon Zaker. He is preceded...
Janyce C. Paulsen
December 23, 2025
Janyce Carole Paulsen (née Heuer), 87, of Swartz Creek, MI, formerly of Somerville and Forked River, NJ, passed away on December 23, 2025. Born February 7, 1938, in Union, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Hazel Heuer.
A graduate of Flemington High School, Janyce grew up in a home filled with music. Her father was a musician...
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Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD. offers a collection of obituaries for Rockford, IL & Winnebago County. With services throughout Illinois that are updated regularly. Find local Rockford, Illinois obituaries and join us in celebrating memories and honoring their lives and legacies.
