Name: Visitation for Walter Sturm
Start: 2015-11-10T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-11-11T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Olson Funeral and Cremation Services, Fred C. Olson Chapel - Rockford

WALTER 'WALLY' F. STURM, 92 ROCKFORD - Walter "Wally" Forest Sturm, 92, of Rockford, died Friday, November 6, 2015. He was born Nov. 24, 1922, in Rockford; the son of Walter F. and Signe (Sjostrom) Sturm. Wally was a member of the first graduating class of East High School, and earned his B.S. degree from the University of Illinois in 1949. He married Mary Rizzoli on January 29, 1949. Wally served in the United States Army during World War II European Theater (861st Field Artillery Battalion). He joined Lindstrom Travel in 1952, and retired 55 years later at the age of 85. He traveled the world with his wife, visiting over 125 countries. He was a member of Kiwanis for 50 years and became a Master Gardener at age 82. He is survived by his wife, Mary of Rockford; daughter, Margaret (Tim) Larson of La Crosse, WI; sons, Richard (Linda Sheridan), John (Liz) and Charles Sturm, all of Rockford; grandchildren, Ben Larson, Sam Larson, Karl Sturm, Mary (Josue) Sanchez, Jacob Sturm and Keenan Sturm; brother, Jay Sturm; sister-in-law, Jeanne Rizzoli; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; sister, Helen "Sis" Mosbacher; sister-in-law, Becky Sturm, and brothers-in-law, John Rizzoli and Bruce Mosbacher. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2015, in Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd., Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., Rockford, with Rev. Carolyn Fredriksen officiating. Entombment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2015, in Fred C. Olson Chapel. Memorials to Rockford Park District Foundation, 401 S. Main St., Rockford, IL 61101 or Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State St., Rockford, IL 61102. To share a memory or online condolence, visit olsonfh.com.

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Published by Rockford Register Star from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Sturm

Sponsored by Olson Funeral and Cremation Services, Fred C. Olson Chapel - Rockford Olson Funeral & Cremation Serv.

11 Entries

Jill (Gewetzki) Mengo

November 17, 2015

Dearest John, Mary, Margaret, Dick, Charlie, and the rest of the family, I am so sorry to hear about Wally's passing. I remember him if not working in the garden on a sunny summer day with flags flying out front, but off on the next jaunt to Africa or even Cuba. He was always an engaging storyteller, shared his smile and laughter easily, and a loving husband to Mary and father to you all. I always had great respect for him and your mother for their contribution to the community and active support of the downtown arts and theater culture, as well as other associations that they were involved in. With fondness, thank you for being my family at a time when a I so needed it. I offer my condolences and prayers for you all, he will be missed.

November 12, 2015

Dear Charlie and family,

We are so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

God Bless,
Brock and Tracy Witte

November 12, 2015

Sending my sympathy to Wally's family - it was a pleasure knowing and working with him at LTB for many years. - Kerry G.

Marge Anders

November 11, 2015

I had a wonderful time in 2005 on an Alaskan trip hosted by Wally and Mary. I remember Wally in the front of one of the rafts as we went speeding over the rapids. My condolences to Charlie and the rest of the family.

Tim Kane

November 10, 2015

Wally was a great guy to me and an even better neighbor. The Sturm's are the anchor of our quiet little street. I will miss him a great deal especially in the summer (when he wasn't out on a worldly adventure with his wife) seeing him out in the yard digging something up out of the ground or planting something more beautiful to replace it. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the rest of his family and friends.

John Kleindienst

November 10, 2015

I am very sorry to hear of Walter's passing. I have fond memories of growing up with Charlie and Walter and Mary would include me on really fun family outings like Great America (when it was brand new) and the King Tut exhibit at the Field Museum.

Donna Mitchell

November 10, 2015

My thoughts, prayers and hugs to all of you! I wish I could be there to give you all hugs in person. Much love, Donna Mitchell

Cathy Musselman

November 9, 2015

Such a very special man with a family that has been a big part of ours for the last three decades. We will always remember him as a part of the Rockford Raven's Football Club family, and one who we will surely miss on the sidelines for years to come. We know he is with our loved ones who have gone before him, we know they are watching over us and cheering us on at God Speed. The Musselman family gives our deepest sympathies to a wonderful member of our Rugby family. Our love and best wishes to Dick and family. Cat & Ron, Maggie, Monica, Michelle and Morgan Musselman.

Alisha Wachowiak

November 9, 2015

We all are so very sorry for your loss. Our family enjoyed his stories and all his wit. We were blessed to have had 5 short years knowing him.
( he was a great neighbor)
He will be greatly missed, especially during gardening season. Sending the whole family much love and many prayers!
Chris, Alisha, Maddox and Blake Wachowiak.

Chris Taul

November 9, 2015

I'm so very sorry to hear of Wally's passing. So thankful to have had the opportunity to know such a dear, dear gentleman in recent years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Mark Sjostrom

November 8, 2015

The end of an era...but the memory of a wonderful person goes on.My heart goes out to everyone........

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