Gerald Schrom Sr.

GERALD A. SCHROM SR., 86 ROCKFORD - Gerald A. Schrom Sr., 86, of Rockford died at 11:15 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2008, in his home after a brief battle with cancer. Born Feb. 5, 1922, in Rockford, the son of Arthur and Anna (Peterson) Schrom. Gerald married Arlene Fitzgerald in Rockford on July 31, 1943; she died Jan. 29, 2005. Gerald was co-owner of Schrom's Caf� until 1962. He then worked at Ingersoll Milling Machine Co. until his retirement. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Air Corp as 2nd Lieutenant from 1943 to 1946. After graduating from OCS he was stationed in the Pacific. Gerald was a graduate of St. James Grade School, St. Thomas High School (1939) and attended the University of Notre Dame and Marquette University before being drafted into the Army. Gerald was a member of St. James Catholic Church, Moose Club, Third Degree Member of Bishop Muldoon Knights of Columbus, Muldoon Council 470 and a Fourth Degree member of General Council Assembly 190. Survivors include five children; daughter, Jan (Ken ) Kloweit; granddaughter, Kim (Jerry) Hoiness; great-granddaughter, Madison of Rockford; granddaughter, Kelly (Fiance, Scott Trammell) of Phoenix; son, Richard (Peg) Schrom; grandson, Andrew (Rosette) Sch-rom; great-grandchildren, Jessica and AJ; grandson, Michael Schrom, all of Rockford; daughter, Nancy (Bill) Trevey of Rockford; grandson, Mick (Kate) Trevey of Milwaukee; granddaughter, Martha Trevey of Chicago; son, Jerry (Deb) Schrom of Rockford; granddaughter, Lindsay (Tim) Szilveszter of Dunlap, Ill.; and grandson, Jack Schrom of Rockford; son, Robert (Laura) Schrom; and grandsons, Danny and Brad Schrom, all of Rockford; brother, Wayne (Sally) Schrom; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Special caregiver and friend, Vera who Jerry considered to be a third daughter. Predeceased by parents; and wife Arlene, of 61 years. A special thank-you to the staff of OSF Hospice, Michelle, Lauren, Mary Lou and Dan. Also a special thank-you to oncologist, Dr. Nora. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Friday, May 16, in St. James Catholic Church, with the Rev. Dean E. Russell officiating. Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3810 N. Rockton Ave., also from 9 a.m. to time of Mass Friday in the church. Interment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. James Catholic Church, 428 N. Second St., Rockford, IL 61107. To express condolences online please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.