Aurelius Nalewanski

AURELIUS B. 'SKI' NALEWANSKI, 89 ROCKFORD - Aurelius B. "Ski" Nalewanski, 89, of Rockford died at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, in Provena St. Anne Center. Born Sept. 2, 1918, in Hollis, N.Y., son of Brunislaw and Victoria Kmiotek Nalewanski. Married Nancy Troxell in Baltimore on June 19, 1950. Rockford resident since 1965. He became a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps at the age of 16, then entered the U.S. Marine Corps, where he spent 24 years serving his country. He served during World War II, the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. He was one of five soldiers who became the first group of NCOs to make master gunnery sergeant in the Marine Corps. He was stationed on Guam at the time of the liberation. Retired from Chrysler Corp. in 1975, then spent several years as a warehouse supervisor for Lorden Distributors. He also worked part time for Bill Doran Wholesale Florist. Member of the Cathedral of St. Peter and was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Muldoon Council. "Ski" was a member of American Legion Post 1207, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1461, and Fraternal Order of Eagles, and was an avid golfer and bowler. He thoroughly enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren in all of their activities and sporting events; and his greatest enjoyment were family events being surrounded by his family. Survivors include daughter, Linda (Jerry) McGhee of Rockford; sons, Lee (Lynn) Nalewanski of Bloomington, Larry (Mary) Nalewanski of Rockford and Loren (Erin) Nalewanski of Herndon, Va.; grandchildren, Michele Hines, Brady McGhee, Adam (Amber) McGhee, and Marcus, Nick, Nolan, Alexandra, Madison, Mackenzie and Carter Nalewanski; great-grandchildren, Caden Hines, Gavin McGhee and Griffin Gatchel-McGhee; sister-in-law, Nellie Nalewanski; brother-in-law, Dr. Thomas (Joan) Doyle; niece, Barbara (Andrew) Piecka; and great-nephew, Tad Piecka. Predeceased by wife, Nancy, on Aug. 3, 1991; parents; brother, Lucian Nalewanski; and sister, Renette Doyle. The Nalewanski family extends their heartfelt thanks to Renee and the staff of Provena St. Anne Center and Pat Mosier and the staff of Northern Illinois Hospice & Grief Center for the loving care that they gave to their dad during his difficult times. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 29, in the Cathedral of St. Peter, with the Rev. Kevin Butler officiating. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, also from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Friday, in the church. Memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center or American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fitzgeraldfh. com.