WINSLOW - Kearney Fritsch, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. He was born on April 29, 1928 in Monroe, WI to William and Mabel (Benfer) Fritsch. He graduated from Winslow High School. He was a WWII Veteran serving from October 1946 to January 1948 where he spent one year in occupied Japan. He married Reva Napier on October 10, 1957 at the Winslow United Methodist Church. He farmed for 70 years in Winslow Township. He worked for Newell Window Furnishings for 25 years in Freeport, IL. He also worked for grocery stores for 6 years in Monroe, WI and Mesa, AZ. He was a member of the Stephenson County Farm Bureau for over 60 years. He belonged to the Winslow American Legion Stewart-Schneider Post 592 for many years. He was a past member of the Winslow Fire Department and also was past president of the Winslow Cheese Factory. He spent many years collecting old coins. Kearney spent 10 years wintering in Arizona. He most loved spending his time with the children and grandchildren

Kearney is survived by four children: Nanette (Jack) Crowe of Mesa, AZ, Sherri (Roger) Beyer of Eldridge, IA, William Fritsch and friend Vicki Fogel of Brodhead, WI, Teresa (Robert) Meinert of Winnebago, IL; seven grandchildren: Amanda (Aaron) Steffen, Lindsay Beyer and fiancée Justin Kellett, Adam and Stacy Crowe, Andrew and Emily Meinert and Brayden Fritsch; and one sister: Eileen Kent of Shannon, IL.

He was preceded by his parents and wife on November 20, 1985.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday June 7, 2009 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Winslow, IL.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Leamon Funeral Home in Winslow, IL.

Burial will be held at Rock Lily Cemetery.

A memorial has been established for the Winslow Fire Department, Winslow American Legion Post 592 and the Winslow School. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.

A special thank you to Dr. Appavu, VNA Hospice, and the staff of A-3 at Rockford Memorial Hospital.