Serfine Claeyssen

SERFINE (SLIM) CLAEYSSEN, 91 LOVING HUSBAND, FATHER, GRANDFATHER AND FRIEND CHERRY VALLEY - Serfine (Slim) Claeyssen, 91, of Cherry Valley died March 28, 2008, in his home following a brief illness. Born Sept. 6, 1916, in Harvard. As a teenager, he worked in the Civil Conservation Corps. and various farms throughout Northern Illinois. Married Virginia Mae Robbins on May 24, 1941. A lifelong resident of Cherry Valley. A World War II veteran in the U.S. Army, serving in the South Pacific. Worked various jobs in the Rock River Valley area before becoming employed at Ingersoll Milling Machine Company, where he retired after 25 years of service. Upon retirement, he spent time in New Port Richey, Fla., before returning to live in Cherry Valley. Serfine was an avid fisherman, sportsman and gardener. He was a friend to many and always willing to lend a helping hand. He is survived by his sister, Marion Geiloff of Lutz, Fla.; sons, Robin Claeyssen of Machesney Park and James (Susan) Claeyssen of Cherry Valley; daughters, Susan Bogel of Kings and Marie (Steve) Tortorici of Rockford; daughter-in-law, Donna Claeyssen of Cherry Valley; grandchildren, Noah, Heidi, Joseph and Lindsey Claeyssen, Michael and David Tortorici and Jeff, Brian and Susann Claeyssen; several great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Pearl Robbins and Lorraine Robbins; and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Frank and Mary Claeyssen; wife, Virginia; brothers, Charles, Prosper and Edward Claeyssen; son, Frank Claeyssen; grandson, William Bradley Claeyssen; son-in-law, Randy Bogle; and brothers-in-law, Jack Geiloff, Henry Robbins and John Robbins. Funeral at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, in Belvidere Funeral Home, 203 Logan Ave., Belvidere. Interment in Cherry Valley Cemetery. Visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 31, in the funeral home.