Wayne Schrom

WAYNE A SCHROM, 83 ROCKFORD - Wayne A. Schrom, 83, a lifelong Rockford resident, died at 2 p.m., Monday, March 16, 2009, in Provena St. Anne Center. Born Feb. 8, 1926, to Arthur and Anna (Peterson) Schrom. A 1943 graduate of St. Thomas High School and a graduate of Marquette University, where he was a member of the golf team. After graduation he entered the family business, Schrom's Caf‚. Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II, and married his loving wife, Marilyn "Sally" Key. Wayne was also a licensed real estate broker and tax adviser, retiring early to manage business interests and play more golf with family and friends. He was an avid golfer, loved sports and enjoyed supporting Boylan athletics, as a fan and a booster, and Marquette University athletics. His true enjoyment, though, was cooking for his family. A lifelong member of St. James Catholic Church and a 3rd Degree member of Knights of Columbus Muldoon Council 470, and a 4th Degree member of General Assembly 190. Wayne's additional memberships included the Elks Club and M Club of Marquette University. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn "Sally" (Key) Schrom; son, Arthur (Charlene) Schrom of Amherst N.H.; daughter, Connie (Andrew) Riggs of Libertyville; grandchildren, Joseph (Christine) Schrom of Bolingbrook, Steven Schrom of Manchester, N.H., Michael Riggs of Garden Grove, Calif., and Patrick Riggs of Normal; stepgrandchildren, Rachel (Sean) Trombly of Milford, N.H., and Elizabeth (Stephen) Leighton of Hopkinton, Mass.; great-grand-daughters Jordan, Mackenzie and Molly Schrom of Bollingbrook; stepgreat-grandchildren Hannah and Hailey Trombly, and Paige, Cathryn and Stephen Leighton. Predeceased by parents, Arthur and Anna (Peterson) Schrom; brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Arlene Schrom; and daughter-in-law, Joanne Schrom. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Monday, March 23, in St. James Catholic Church, Rockford, with the Rev. Dean E. Russell officiating. Interment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 22, with a Christian wake service at 4, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. James Catholic Church or Boylan High School Athletic Department. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.