Louise Humpal

LOUISE CAROLYN HUMPAL, 89 ROCKFORD - Louise Carolyn (nee Ward) Humpal, 89, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2015. It was a peaceful transition and she is now with God whom she loved her entire life. Born May 28, 1925, the only child of Fred and Elvira Ward, Louise graduated from Rockford East High School, where following graduation, she worked as Assistant to the Sales Manager of Barber-Colman Company. It was there that her friend and co-worker, Dorothy Gilbert, introduced her younger brother, Lawrence, to Louise. On July 30, 1946, she and "Larry" were married and were together until his passing in 2004. For many years, they owned and operated together the successful local Rockford business, Humpal Sporting Goods and Humpal's Bike Shop. Following their retirement, she and Larry spent winters at their condominium in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, where they had many dear friends. During her later years, Louise volunteered for a local school reading program, and enjoyed tutoring English to Spanish speaking children. She loved being busy, was an outstanding cook and hostess, an avid reader, and enjoyed knitting and crocheting, everything from sweaters with flying ducks for Larry, to fluffy scarves for the ladies and baby blankets for children in need. Louise is survived by her three children, Linda Blankman (Gary Knodle), Lawrence Humpal, Jr. "Mike" (Sharon) and Leonard (Marilyn); her five grandchildren, John Blankman (and fiancée, Noel), Michael Humpal, Matthew Blankman (Angela), Amber Humpal and Brandon Humpal; her four great-granddaughters, Hailey Camille, Allison Lynn, Ariel Noel and Jasmine Louise. She is further survived by her cousin, Ted Lindgren and sister-in-law, Mary Alice Humpal, as well as many dear nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life with graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday May 2, 2015, in Scandinavian Cemetery, Rockford. Fellowship will follow. The family would like to sincerely thank the entire staff of Prairie View Assisted Living and Heartland Hospice Services for their care of Louise. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any memorials to go to the family for memorials to be established. Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd., assisted the family with arrangements.