Michael Carroll

MICHAEL L. CARROLL, 64 ROCKFORD - Michael L. Carroll, 64, passed on in the comfort of his home on Sunday, November 17, 2013, with his wife, the love of his family and friends and his Golden Retriever, Oscar, by his side, having endured a short and courageous battle with cancer. Mike was born on December 22, 1948, to George "Mike" and Patricia Carroll in Eau Claire, WI. He was raised in the loving family which included 3 siblings, Georgia, Patrick and Daniel. Mike met the love of his life, Helene Schweiker in Madison, WI, in 1969, and they were wed on August 19, 1972, in Wauwatosa, WI. Mike and Helene were blessed with two children, Kathleen Carroll McDermott and Joseph Carroll. Their family has grown to include Kathleen's daughter, Helena Diane, Kathleen's fiancé, Zachary Bevins, Joe's wife, Ashley, and their daughter, Mia Kathleen. Mike's family was always at the center of his heart. Mike graduated from Eau Claire Regis High School in 1967, and then graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. He also had two years of post graduate study in law at Marquette University. Mike's career in human resources in Rockford, IL spanned 30 plus years starting with Barber Colman, which later became Smiths Aerospace, retiring as Human Resource Director of GE Aerospace. He continued his career in Human Resources as the Director of HR for Kaney Aerospace. Wherever Mike worked he made friends of colleagues and gained their respect with his honest, caring approach to all employee and company issues. Mike's true passions were his family, his friends, his love of sports and his Fighting Irish. It was at the University of Notre Dame that his parents' values were further instilled: love of God, the importance of education and hard work, and the commitment to one's community. He especially enjoyed the camaraderie and companionship of his golfing scramble group. Traveling with his wife and close dear friends brought him memories that lasted a lifetime. Mike is survived by his wife of 41 years, Helene, his daughter, Kathleen Carroll McDermott (Zachary Bevins), granddaughter, Helena, son, Joseph (Ashley) Carroll, and granddaughter, Mia Kathleen, sister, Georgia Hill, brothers, Patrick Carroll, Daniel (Peggy) Carroll, brother-in-law, Bob (Melissa) Schweiker and nieces, Tricia (Jeffrey) Joines, Jennifer (Chad) Simmons, Kasey (Garrett Alto) Carroll, Claire Schweiker, and nephew, Mathew Schweiker, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, George "Mike" and Patricia Carroll; father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Helen Schweiker; and brother-in-law, Jim Hill. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hospice Care of America, the SwedishAmerican nursing staff on 7th and 8th floor, SwedishAmerican Home Health staff, the staff of SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center and Rockford Gastroenterology and Associates. Special thanks to Dr. Merat Esfahani, Dr. Michael Manley and close friend, Dr. Richard Nora for his continued friendship and support. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 23, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter's Cathedral, 1243 Church St., with Rev. Carl E. Beekman officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., with a Christian Wake service to be recited at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Boylan Catholic High School, The SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center, Eau Claire Regis High School or the University of Notre Dame. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.