Obituaries
Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD. Obituaries
Local obituaries for the Rockford, IL area
Lee Weinbender
October 12, 2024
Leroy “Lee” J. Weinbender, 69 of Rockford, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024, in Rockford, Illinois. Born in Chicago on August 24, 1955, to Leroy and Marie (Falcone) Weinbender. Lee married the love of his life, Karen, in 1989 and they would soon welcome two daughters into the world. He was assistant parts manager for Lou Bachrodt, where he worked...
Julie M. Raether
October 12, 2024
Julia Madeline Raether, 98, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 12, just two weeks shy of her 99th birthday. Julie was born October 29, 1925 in Bloom, Wisconsin to Aaron Jacob Hillishiem and Flossie Mae (Rockwell) Hillishiem. She was the middle child of three daughters.
After high school, Julie moved to Chicago as one of the thousands of "Rosie the Riveters"...
Jeffrey A. Beckett
October 11, 2024
Jeffrey “Jeff” Allen Beckett, 62, of Rockford, passed away on October 11, 2024. He was born on September 25, 1962, in Rockford, the son of Ralph and Karen (Irwin) Beckett. Jeff earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from UW Whitewater. He had a passion for painting and watching the Indy 500 races. Jeff took immaculate care of his yard...
Ricky E. Clarke
October 10, 2024
Ricky “Rick” E. Clarke, 64, passed away unexpectedly on October 10, 2024, in his hometown of Rockford. Born April 16, 1960, son to Albert and Eudora (Parker) Clarke. He went on to graduate from Jefferson High School class of 1978 and obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology. On April 22, 1989, he married Jody Ellsworth. For over 25 years he...
Edward "Ed" Wolf
October 8, 2024
Edward “Ed” L. Wolf, 68 of Rockford, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in Rockford, Illinois. Born here in Rockford on April 1st of 1956 to John and Pauline (Schaechtel) Wolf. Ed worked in road construction and was a proud member of the Teamster Union for over 29 years. A collector of many things, Ed had an eye...
Michael E. Covey
October 7, 2024
Michael E. Covey, 78, of Rockford, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024. He was born in Macomb, IL, on December 20, 1945, the son of Donald E. and Lela I. (Root) Covey. He married Shayla (Allardyce) Covey on June 15, 1970, in Rockford.
Michael was a very active member of Life Church along with his wife. He worked for the...
Cataliana "Cathy" G. Lopez
October 7, 2024
Cataliana “Cathy” G. Lopez, 81, of Rockford, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2024.
She was born on February 23, 1943 in Mburucuya, Corrientes Argentina and later moved to the United States where she met her husband Ramon (Mony). She worked at DJ Stewart until 1985 and then worked in the alterations department at Marshall Field’s until her retirement in 2007....
Robert "Bob" S. Black
October 7, 2024
Robert “Bob” S. Black, 54, Rockford, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024, at KSB Hospital in Dixon. He was born in Dixon on February 9, 1970, the son of Gary and Connie (Blake) Black. Bob was a graduate of Oregon High School, class of 1988, where he was class President. He attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC where...
Phyllis Mae Lee
October 6, 2024
We have a god that answers our prayers
Phyllis Mae Lee, 91, a devoted and faithful servant was received by the Lord peacefully in her sleep on October 6, 2024. She was born on May 1, 1933, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, daughter to Anthony and Grace (Wall) Mezera. She wed her beloved husband, William “Bill” Lee in St. John...
Joseph W. Love
October 6, 2024
Joseph (Joe) W. Love, 77, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 6, 2024, with his beloved dog Juno by his side, after a brief illness.
Joe was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Joseph L. and Lillian J. (Satek) Love. He graduated from Barrington High School and enlisted in the US Coast Guard during the Viet Nam conflict, proudly serving...
Steven "Steve" Michael Heck
October 6, 2024
Steven “Steve” Michael Heck,76, died suddenly at his home Sunday evening, October 6, 2024. Steve was born on August 28, 1948, in Watseka, IL. A graduate of Boylan High School and the University of Illinois, Steve’s career was with Rockford Memorial Hospital as a respiratory therapist. He unselfishly worked the night shift and holidays so others in his department could...
Jean Marie Harezlak
October 5, 2024
Jean Marie Harezlak, known for her love, friendship, and strength, passed away surrounded by family on December 5, 2024. She lived a life encouraging others to pursue their dreams, championing education and beauty in her community, seeking opportunities to celebrate life's joys, and being an amazing mother and spouse.
Born and raised into a loving family in Rockford on September 19,...
Russell Proctor Rourke Sr.
October 5, 2024
Russell “Russ” P. Rourke Sr. 90, of Rockford, passed away on October 5, 2024. Russ was a lifelong Rockford resident born on December 30, 1933, to Glenn P. and Reta B. Rourke. He graduated from East High School, served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, and retired from Sundstrand Aviation after 35 years. He married the former Betty...
Raymond R. Gonzales
October 4, 2024
Raymond R. Gonzales, affectionately known as “Gonzo,” passed away peacefully on October 4, 2024, surrounded by the loving embrace of family. Born on August 3, 1949, in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Ester Cuellar. Raymond's journey took him through the halls of education at Rock Valley College, where he earned his associate's degree. He married Vickie Clarke on November...
Tami J. Zellmer
October 3, 2024
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Tami Jo Zellmer: 10.25.68-10.3.2024
Here we are again, in this rich process of both celebrating a life well lived, and grieving at the transition of death.
On this bright sunny day in October, just shy of her birthday, Tami passed away, peacefully in her bed at the Joshua House....
Mary Kathleen Thorne
October 2, 2024
Mary Kathleen (Kostka) Thorne, 69, of Rockford, passed away at home on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
Mary was born in Rockford Illinois on April 30, 1955, daughter of John F. and Alice J. (Mickey) Kostka. She graduated from Boylan Catholic High School, Class of 1973 and went on to earn her master’s degree in art therapy at Northern Illinois University. Mary...
Marguerite "Margie" Elias Wagner
October 1, 2024
Marguerite Elias Wagner, 96, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on October 1, 2024, in the compassionate care of Wesley Willows in Rockford, Illinois. Born on April 21, 1928, in Duluth, Minnesota, Margie lived a life of dedication, grace, and civic engagement.
After graduating from Ward-Belmont Finishing School, Margie attended both the University of Minnesota and the University of Colorado...
James M. Newell Sr.
September 30, 2024
James “Jim” M. Newell Sr., 78, of Rockford, passed away at home on Monday, September 30, 2024.
Jim was born in Rockford, Illinois on March 14, 1946, the son of Edward and Agnes (Kurkerewicz) Newell. He graduated from Auburn High School. Jim worked for Bishop’s Printing of Rockford for many years until starting his own successful business, Jim’s Home Repair. He...
James D. Barton
September 30, 2024
James “Jim” David Barton, 76, of Winnebago, passed away on September 30, 2024. He was born on April 15, 1948, in Freeport, Illinois, the son of John P. and Leila E. (Thomasson) Barton Sr. He graduated from Boylan High School, class of 1966. He married Christa M. Chaney on November 30, 1974, at St. James Catholic Church in Rockford, and...
Joseph "Joe" E. Capone
September 29, 2024
Joseph “Joe” E. Capone, 91, Rockford, passed away on Sunday September 29, 2024, at OSF St. Anthony’s Hospital with his loving family surrounding him. He was born on December 20, 1932, in Peoria, IL, the son of Joseph and Katherine (Becker) Capone. Joe was raised in Freeport, IL before moving to Rockford in 1945. Joe attended catholic schools, then graduated...
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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.
