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Carl Waldsmith Obituary

CARL J. WALDSMITH, 71 MACHESNEY PARK - Carl J. Waldsmith, 71, of Machesney Park died at 12:02 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, in OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Born Aug. 23, 1939, in Rockford, son of Gerald J. and Dorothy V. Klein Waldsmith. Graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1958. Married Rotha M. Barton on Oct. 1. 1960, in St. Patrick Catholic Church, having just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. His entire career was involvement with the family business, Waldsmith Illustrators, that until its recent closing had been a Rockford business since 1931.Very active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Patrick Council 14373. In earlier years he had been a volunteer for the Civil Air Patrol and for many years had been an officer in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was proudly involved with the soup kitchen at the Jubilee Center and was a member of St. Ambrogio Society, Verdi Club and Kepotah Sportsman Club. Carl was a devoted Catholic, a loving and caring family man, and a kind friend to all. Survivors include wife, Rotha; son, Randy; daughters, Loriann (Melvin Pillsbury) Waldsmith and Alyssa K. Waldsmith; grandchildren, Rachel (Matt Koch), Stephanie (Mickey Gilliam), Amanda and Keith; great-grandchildren, Rashawn, Aiden and Raelynn; sister, Dawn (Don) Linstead, brothers, Richard (Sally) Waldsmith, Allan (Sylvia) Waldsmith; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family, Nancy Snow, Corey Snow and Jackie Owen; as well as many friends who were dear to his heart. Predeceased by parents; great-grandson, Stephawn; and several aunts and uncles. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, in St. Patrick Catholic Church, with the Rev. Ricardo Hernandez and Rev. William Collins concelebrating. Visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., with a rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. Visitation also from 10 a.m. Thursday to time of the Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Patrick Catholic Church. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Nov. 9 to Nov. 10, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Rashawn Waldsmith

December 21, 2017

Carl or as I called him grandpa was a great man not just a grandpa he was a my best friend and I will never forget him. Grandpa if you are reading this it's Rashawn I'm sorry it took so long for me to do this but I just couldn't I would start crying every time and doing this right now I'm crying. I'm struggling with my behavior right now and I pray to you to help me please grandpa. I miss you and love you.

Judy VanHeesch

November 16, 2010

Rotha and family, I am so sorry to hear about Carl. My condolences to the family and my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Judy Provasi VanHeesch

November 16, 2010

my heart goes out to you and your family . carl was a great man. my heart felt sympathy to you and your family. Randy very sorry for your loss. God has entrusted you with the keys now. love and miss all of you. your all are always in my prayers. patricia crabtree

November 14, 2010

Hi Rotha, I recieved E-Mail from Linda Witek [Hancock} about Carl's passing on. My sympathy too all your family. Jerry Salsbury [ Laughlin, Nevada]

November 12, 2010

My sincere sympathy to the Waldsmith Family.
Cathy MacKenzie -
Carl & Dot Kampmeier's daughter

Jenn Darr

November 10, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you mourn the loss of an exceptional man! He will always be missed. I love you guys!!!

john and jean morris

November 9, 2010

Please except our heartfelt condolenses to the family of carl john and jean morris

Denise Ackerman

November 9, 2010

Dear Stephanie, We just wanted you and the family to know that you will be in our prayers. We hope you find some comfort in the memories of your grandpa to get you through the days ahead. We love you

Benito Maldonado

November 9, 2010

Hi Rotha...It's hard to express my feelings about Carl. I don't know why God takes the ones that served him, maybe he needs him. Catholics come in different levels and Carl was a real Catholic. Both of you guys are a good example of real catholic. I know how you're feeling, two years ago i lost my sister and my father in law the next month. You miss more the ones that leave than those that are still here with you. You can count on us if you ever need anything.

Phyllis Dowell-Ausler

November 9, 2010

To Stephanie, Rashawn and the entire Waldsmith family, we extend the hand of love, comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding. Reflect and learn from the sense of family and the ability to love 'in spite of'. Mr. Waldsmith has left a wonderful legacy to his family and the community.

Jim & Jo Mccarren

November 9, 2010

Rotha & family.Sometimes mere words just aren't enough to take away our grief,so we rely on GOD for help and strength in our belief.May he uplift you gently,take the sorrow that you bear,then comfort you with healing in the safety of His care.Love & prayers,Jim & Jo mccarren,Phoenix,Az

Stephanie Waldsmith

November 9, 2010

Oh Grandpa, i miss you like i never thought i would miss someone. Coming into this house and not seeing you at the table hurts. i am so sorry for all the worries and stress i put you through. I would give anything to turn back time and tell you how much i love you and how thankful i am to have you. You are the most amazing person. I LOVE YOU!!!!!! XOXOX Stephanie, Mickey, Rashawn, and Raelynn

P.S. please let Stephawn know how much i love him and give him kisses for me

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