Obituaries
Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD. Obituaries
Local obituaries for the Rockford, IL area
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,...
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
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
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
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
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...
Kor Phothiboupha
July 6, 2026
Kor Phothiboupha, 61, passed away on July 6, 2026, peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 14, 1964, in Laos, the son of Phoumy and Keo Phothiboupha. He married Manivone Phoumy on August 5, 2015, in Rockford, IL.
Kor was a member of LEFC for many years. He is known by all for his genuine...
Stephan Todd Freeman
July 5, 2026
Stephan “Steve” Todd Freeman, 55, of Rockford, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 5, 2026 surrounded by his loving mother, brother, and sister.
Steve was born September 18, 1970, in Rapid City, South Dakota, the son of Kenneth G. and Evelyn (Barnes) Freeman. He graduated from Jefferson High School and proudly worked at the Rockford Public library for more...
Michael Taphorn
July 3, 2026
Michael Taphorn, 75, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on July 3, 2026.
Born on December 11, 1950, in Rockford, Illinois, Mike was the son of John and Ann (Snyder) Taphorn and a lifelong resident of Rockford.
Mike attended St. James Catholic School and graduated from Boylan Central Catholic High School before earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University...
Dee Ann Cedarleaf
July 2, 2026
Dee Ann Cedarleaf, of Rockford Illinois. Born in Stockton, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on July 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 15, 1947, in Stockton, Illinois, to Harry and Eileen Johns.
Dee Ann was the cornerstone of her family. She was a kind, loving, and selfless woman who was always ready to help...
Patrick “Pat” A. Molander
July 1, 2026
Patrick “Pat” A. Molander, 67, of Cherry Valley, passed away July 1, 2026. Born to Richard and Norma (Olson) Molander in Rockford on July 18, 1958. He married Cathy Gioppo on June 17th of 1978. Pat served in the U.S. Army as a police officer from 1977 through 1979, before being honorably discharged in 1980 after becoming disabled due to...
Arturo A. Frescas
July 1, 2026
With heavy hearts, we remember and honor the life of Arturo A. Frescas, who was born on February 12, 1966, in Chihuahuah, Mexico, the son of Alfredo and Margarita (Dominguez) Frescas, and passed away peacefully at home in Rockford, Illinois, on July 1, 2026, surrounded by his family.
A proud graduate of Belvidere High School’s class of 1985, Arturo carried with...
Casimir Nierzwicki
June 30, 2026
Casimir Nierzwicki, 73, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 30, surrounded by his family.
Casimir was born on February 14, 1953, in Poland to Jozef and Anzelma (Mazela) Nierzwicki and later immigrated to America as a young boy. As a young man, he was an adventurer who enjoyed exploring the open roads on his motorcycle. On May 17, 1985,...
Anne T. Schwebke
June 27, 2026
Anne T. Schwebke ,95, peacefully departed this life on June 27, 2026, knowing she was loved by family and friends. Fr. Oldershaw blessed and anointed Momma, gently reassuring her that when she was ready, God would welcome her to Heaven to be reunited with loved ones.
Anne was born in West Haven, CT on April 3, 1931. She met Eugene Schwebke...
Joan C. Ellis
June 27, 2026
Joan Carol (Smith) Ellis, 79, of the Rockford area, passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2026, surrounded by the loving family she cherished so deeply.
Joan was born on November 8, 1946, in Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa, to Harry Smith and Jean (Hultgren) Smith. A lifelong hairdresser, Joan brought care, support, and a smile to everyone who sat in...
Joyce E. Jacobi
June 27, 2026
Joyce E. Jacobi (Mandeville), 84, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in her hometown of Rockford. She was born on August 29, 1941, the daughter of Charles R. and Lucille B. (Milhaven) Mandeville. She married the love of her life, Michael “Mike” Jacobi on May 18, 1963, at the Cathedral of St. Peter where they remained married for 63...
Patricia Marie Barkhau
June 25, 2026
Patricia Marie Barkhau (Paske)
Patricia Marie Barkhau (Paske), 89, loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend died peacefully on June 25, 2026, at Wesley Willows in Rockford, IL. She lived her 89 years to the fullest.
Pat was born and raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She attended and graduated from Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, Illinois. While at River Forest she met the love...
Dennis W. Dance
June 24, 2026
Dennis W. Dance, 75, of Rockford, passed away on June 24, 2026. Born in Dayton, Ohio on March 17, 1951, to Ira (Bill) and Ruth (Phelps) Dance. He graduated from Short High School in Liberty, IN and attended Purdue University in Indianapolis, IN for Architecture. He was the president of Dance-Winger Landscape Const., Inc. for over 23 years doing commercial...
Randy J. Szleszinski
June 23, 2026
Randall John Szleszinski, 66, passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois. He was born on March 14, 1960, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, son to John and Ruth (Peterson) Szleszinski. At the age of eighteen, Randy started his professional journey alongside his father at Rockford Products. From that formative experience, he committed himself to the industry for his...
Julia Hynes Seper
June 22, 2026
Julia Hynes Seper, who emigrated from Ireland and became the beloved matriarch of an American family that grew across generations, died at the age of 90 on Monday, June 22, 2026.
Julia was born on November 19, 1935, in County Galway, Ireland, the daughter of Patrick and Margaret Hynes.
She arrived in Washington state and earned her U.S. citizenship in September 1970....
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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.
