Robert M. Guthrie

Robert M. Guthrie, 88, of Rockford passed away Monday, September 10, 2012, in St. Anthony Medical Center. Robert was born September 5, 1924, in Chicago, IL, son of Melville and Martha (Fisher) Guthrie. He grew up in Chicago attending Ernst Prussing Elementary School and graduated in 1942 from Maine Township High School. Attended the Century of Progress Chicago's World Fair in Riverview Park in 1933, which held a lasting influence upon his life. Graduated in 1945 as Ensign, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. serving aboard ship as a Midshipman Cadet Engineer throughout the Pacific Theater during World War II, and in the Atlantic following the war. He continued his dedication to his country as Sgt. First Class, Company I, 228th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Division of the Illinois National Guard from 1947 until 1951. He held a BS degree in Marine Engineering from U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and an MBA from Northwestern University as well as a former licensed Marine Engineer and registered Professional Engineer in Illinois, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Robert's life came to be enriched with music, beauty and a lovely life-long companion when he met and married Amelia Bozanich August 4, 1951. Amelia passed away November 10, 2010. Moved his family to Rockford in 1959 from Pittsburgh as Sales Promotion Manager with Barber Colman Company and in 1964 joined Fastener Engineers, Inc. of Rockford as Vice President of Engineering. In 1975 became founding president of the Rockford Manufacturing Group, Inc., retiring as consultant in 1990. He was an inventor and patent holder for the "Positraction", an in-line wire drawing machine and the "Wire Relaxer" now used on almost all in-line drawers throughout the world. Served as a marketing instructor at Rockford College. As an officer of the Wire Institute, facilitated seminars and technical conferences in America and Europe and authored many published articles on in-line wire drawing and wire straightening. Elected a member of Board of Directors of Blackhawk State Bank 1984 thru 1992, serving as Chairman of the Executive Committee during 1992. He loved traveling the world for both business and leisure, especially to one of the most beautiful areas on Earth – Zion National Park. He described retirement as "the happiest time of life with more travel and music! music! music" He was active for decades in the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, various civic orchestras as a percussionist and served several years as a Scout Leader with the Boy Scouts of America. Survivors include, daughter, Pam Guthrie; son, Mike (Cathy) Guthrie; grandson, Scott Guthrie; sister, Lorraine Wittenberg; aunt, Muriel Gelonese; faithful dog and friend, Bam Bam; host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by parents, wife, Amelia and brother, Ronald. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2012, in the Emerson Hall of the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church Street, Rockford, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. till time of service. Rev. Dr. J. Michael Solberg will officiate. Memorials may be directed to the Amelia Guthrie Promising Singer of Merit Award, Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center. Cremation Society of Illinois assisted the family.