Obituaries

Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD. Obituaries

Local obituaries for the Rockford, IL area

Michael E. Covey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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...

Katherine J McWilliams

Katherine J McWilliams

September 27, 2024

Katherine J. McWilliams, “Kay,” 88, passed away in her residing town of Rockford, Illinois on Friday, September 27, 2024. She was born on November 21, 1935, daughter to Walter and Anna (Miller) Burris (predeceased). Kay married the love of her life, Robert,“Bob” McWilliams in Kentucky on May 12, 1951. They were happily married until 2013 when Bob passed away. She...

Stephen Carl Hotlen

Stephen Carl Hotlen

September 26, 2024

Stephen Carl Hotlen passed away in his home surrounded by family in the early hours of Thursday, September 26, 2024. He was 83 years old. Born March 26, 1941, in the southside of Chicago at Michael Reese Hospital to Ruth (née Redd) and Auburn “Jack” Hotlen, Stephen was a lifelong White Sox fan. He graduated from Hononegah High School in...

Debra Leigh Giesler

Debra Leigh Giesler

September 26, 2024

Debra Leigh Giesler, 68, known to family and friends as Debi, passed away on September 26, 2024, in her hometown of Rockford, Illinois. She fought hard and ultimately lost her battle with Leukemia. Born on November 27, 1955, daughter to James and Josephine (LaMarca) Reiland. A proud graduate of Boylan Catholic High School in 1973 Debi embarked on a remarkable...

Maria Mullen

Maria Mullen

September 24, 2024

Maria Mullen, 66, passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones on September 24, 2024, in Rockford, Illinois. Born in Roccamena, Sicily on March 7, 1958, daughter to Gaspare and Francesca (Fasullo) Artale. At a very young age Maria and her family moved to Rockford, Illinois where she attended St. Anthony Grade School and Boylan Catholic High School, graduating...