Serfine Thomas Claeyssen

SERFINE THOMAS CLAEYSSEN, 65 ROCKFORD - Serfine Thomas Claeyssen, 65, of Rockford died at 10:50 a.m. Tuesday Nov. 11, 2008, in his home after a long illness. Born March 24, 1943, in Rockford to Prosper and Ruth (Foltz) Claeyssen. A lifelong Rockford resident married to the former Dixie Kay Swanson on Nov. 21, 1964. Employed as a plater by Elco Industries for 24 years. A Navy veteran serving from 1961 through 1966. Tom was an avid Miami Dolphins fan and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He enjoyed camping at Yogi Bear and fishing. Survivors include his wife, Dixie Claeyssen; daughters, Julie (Marty) Byers of Caledonia and Anna (Bob) Claeyssen of Rockford; son, Brian Claeyssen of Rockford; brother, Rick (Jean) Claeyssen of Rockford; sisters, Ruth (Larry) Biladeau, Arvis (Marlin) Green, Mary Jo Keller and Linda Livingston; grandchildren, Tara (Ryan) Walker, Amber Claeyssen, Kaylynn Beck, Alicia Marshall, Colin Johnson and August Claeyssen; great-grandson, Dalton Claeyssen; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his mother; father; brother; and brother-in-law, Jerry Keller Memorial service at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, in Julian-Poorman-Welte Funeral Home 304 N. fifth St., with the Rev. Matt Kitchen of Heartland Community Church officiating. Visitation from 5:30 p.m. to service time Friday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. To view the guest register, maps and directions, visit weltefuneral.com.