ROGER RENO, 88 ROCKFORD - Roger Reno, 88, of Rockford, a local attorney and former chairman of AMCORE financial died on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, in his home with his family by his side. Born May 16, 1924, in Rockford; the son of Guy B. and Hazel (Kinnear) Reno, longtime Rockford residents. His father practiced law for 55 years and in 1923 founded the firm now known as Reno & Zahm. Roger attended Rockford schools, Garrison, Roosevelt, and West, which are all now closed. Roger stated that he'd seen many changes in his lifetime, and "I've been against every one of them." This decision did not include his marriage on May 17, 1952, to Janice Marie Odelius, nor the birth of their children, Susan, Sheri (David) Rudolph, and Michael. Following his graduation from West High, he started college at Carleton College (Minn.) where he spent one term, and then in January 1943, volunteered in the Air Force, being discharged as a First Lieutenant in March 1946, in order to re-enter Carelton where he graduated in 1947.During his service he spent one year at Kenyon College (Ohio) as a cadet in the meteorology program, and when that was dismantled, was assigned to the electrical communications school at Yale University (Conn.) There he received his commission and was assigned to engage in installation of instrument landing equipment. Following several months of on-site training, ending up at Kearns AFB (Utah), he was scheduled for Burma but, at the last minute, after receiving jungle shots, was shipped off to Edmonton, Alberta, for assignment to Alaska. He spent his final year of service there, with 6 months at Big Delta east of Fairbanks on the Alcon Highway and the remainder at Nome. The reason for these two locations was that they were stations established in order to transport attack planes up to Fairbanks and Nome to be picked up there by the Russians for use against the Germans on the Russian's Western Front. This was a portion of our Lend Lease program worked out with Molotov, whereby we were not allowed to fly the planes into the U.S.S.R. After graduating from Carleton, Roger re-entered Yale for the second time, this time in their law school, where he graduated in 1950, after being told in class by his Germanic insurance professor, Friedrich Kessler, "Mr. Reno, you couldn't be wronger!" With that behind him, and fearing his inability to obtain other work either as a lawyer, weatherman or electrical engineer (having forgotten all skills of the latter two), Roger was given a tentative opportunity at Reno & Zahm. Because his father had forgotten Swedish pronunciation and bragged to his clients that his son was at Yale (Jail), Roger had to be given other duties. Zahm assigned him as truck driver-scab to pick up work-in-progress from a factory on strike and drop it off at a cooperating factory to complete, thus breaking the strike. Fortunately the strikers on the line also thought this was a great idea to punish the company not knowing where work in progress was being moved. Roger was a Rockford lawyer for 63 years. He represented the Rockford School District for 10 years at an annual fee of $2,500.00, compared to what is now doled out to litigious Chicago counsel attacking and defending the district. He also served on the board of local charities such as Swedish American, the former Children's Home of Rockford, and Keith School. He was also active in the construction of Patriot's Gateway Center. Roger was a member and past President of Forest Hills Country Club and member of The University Club. Perhaps, in addition to his legal practice, his biggest contribution for 30 years was as a board member of American National Bank and Trust Co., later AMCORE Financial Co., of which he served as Chairman for 10 years, refusing to accept corporate "extras", and retiring in 1995. He then continued to practice law, but with more time spend on travel, fishing, family history, and trying to assist local charities which provide basic life services. He is survived by his children, Susan Reno, Sheri (David W.) Rudolph, and Michael Reno; brother-in-law, Don Hansing; cousins, Mary Lou Cameron and Janice Pickard; and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his wife, Janice in 2005; his parents; and brother, Ben Kinnear Reno. The family would like to thank Rogers special care giver and angel, Rebecca A. Martins, who his children considered their half-sister. Funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, in Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave. with the Rev. Calvin Culpepper officiating. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 4, in Fred C. Olson Chapel, and Tuesday, March 5, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service in the chapel. The family prefers memorials to Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 N. Count St., Rockford, IL 61103 or Patriot's Gateway Center, 615 S. 5th St., Rockford, IL 61104. To share a memory or online condolence, visit olsonfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My dad Bill Sopher corresponded with Roger about our families Reno connection years ago. I took over my dad´s genealogy stuff after my mom Clio died in 2007. I wrote Roger a letter to let him know they had both passed and he kindly answered me back
Kim Sopher Wemer
Other
January 8, 2024
Roger was the kindest and nicest man I have ever known. He will always be remembered
Kathy Lonergan
Acquaintance
February 24, 2020
Sweet Man. If I was having a bad day at work, I would go up to Roger's office and I would be smiling when I left.
Kathy Lonergan
February 23, 2019
My sympathy to all Roger's family. I just found out today of Roger's passing. I am his fifth removed cousin. He was a very wonderful caring man. I shall miss him. My family appreciated his work on the Reno geneology,that his father s tarted.
David Reno
March 16, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to your family in the loss of your father. My parents (Dave & BJ Salisbury) were good friends with Roger.
Sali Raudabaugh
March 15, 2013
I took this picture at the Amcore Bank Family Reunion Party June 27, 2010. Farewell to a true gentleman
Helen Huene Finegan
March 13, 2013
Mr.Reno's compassion has truly left a "gift that keeps on giving". This has affected many lives especially mine. This is called a legacy. I was blessed to experience it. To the family, may the Lord make His face to shine upon you because He surely is shining through Mr.Reno.
G Coleman
March 11, 2013
Roger was a very sweet man and I enjoyed serving him in the corporate cafeteria at Amcore. God's peace to his family.
Debbie Allen
March 4, 2013
Roger you will be missed. You can now enjoy great golf with Jan and my parents Stan and Betty. May blessings be on those lefy behind.
Bob Kjellgren
March 3, 2013
sue so sorry about your dad. my prayers are with all of you
lisa ragan
March 2, 2013
May the family be filled with fond memories. May he rest in peace.
A class mate
Frances Cary Kochicas
March 2, 2013
Thanks for the laughs, you will be missed!
Judy Meehan
March 2, 2013
Susie & Mike so nice talking with you last evening and reminiscing about my 30 years as secretary for "RR". Wish I could be there Tues., but the three of you will be in my thoughts.
Hazel Dobbs
March 2, 2013
I used to go up to Roger's office just to get away for a few minutes. What a great man, so witty and fun. Roger, you will be missed.
Kathy Lonergan
March 2, 2013
I worked for American/Amcore Bank for almost 47 years so I knew Guy Reno and Roger Reno. My sympathy to his family .
Helen Huene Finegan
March 1, 2013
Sheri and Dave, Sue, and Mike...my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I will never forget Roger's smile.
Patti Larsen
March 1, 2013
Roger, the fishing was great at BPC, but will be the best in HEAVEN! Say Hi to Jan for us. Our sympathies to your children, your beloved care-giver Rebecca, your cousins, your brother-in-law Don, and all of your friends. Andy & Vicki Hansing
Andrew & Vicki Hansing
March 1, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Sue, Sheri and Mike with wonderful memories of all our times together. They will never be forgotten. Love Polly
Polly Morgan
March 1, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Our Prayers are with you and your family
Pam,Dan,Scott & Lisa Gioppo
March 1, 2013
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