Earl Halbin

EARL L. HALBIN, 89 ROCKFORD - Earl L. Halbin, 89, of Rockford passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2014. Born Sept. 21, 1924, in Rockford, son of John and Nettie (Holmberg) Halbin. Earl graduated from East High School. He married Mary Parlapiano in 1955, they were married for 28 years. Earl was a meat cutter for Piggly Wiggly, owned Earls Liquor Stores for many years, and later retired from real estate. He was a Sergeant in the US Air Force, flying combat missions in WWII as a radio operator/gunner on a B-24. He was a lifetime member of the Shrine, and also served as circus chairman. Earl was full of mischief, often participating in crazy pranks, earning the nickname WG (Wise Guy). He continued that sense of humor until the day he died. Survivors include his daughters, Cindy (Terry) Giardini, Becky (Mike) Dannenberg, and Judy (Sparky) Prisby; grandchildren, Katy, Kent, Danielle, Joseph, Michael, Kelsie, and David; 2 great-grandchildren; sister, Grace Cieliesz; sister-in-law, Evelyn Halbin; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; 3 brothers; 2 sisters; and his beloved dog, Jodi. A celebration of life will be held at noon Sunday, July 27, 2014, at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park. Pastor Wendell Maynard officiant. Memorial visitation 11 a.m. until the time of service. Cremation rites will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for a memorial to be established. Online condolences may be submitted at sunsetfhmemgardens.com.