Obituary

LARRY DEAN BRANCH, 73 SUN LAKES, Ariz. - Larry Dean Branch, 73, of Sun Lakes passed away Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born April 13, 1938, in Highland, Ill., the son of William Henry and Ordella (Lynch) Branch. Larry was a 1956 graduate of Rockford West High School and he then completed his apprenticeship to become a journeyman electrician. He was a partner with Ballard Electric Co., for 42 years, retiring in 1998. Larry was a Scoutmaster when his children were young, a licensed airplane pilot, and was active in various charitable organizations through the years. Member of Masonic Lodge 102 and of the Scottish Rite. Larry was a man of integrity and was truly one of the "good guys". Survived by his wife, Pat; their children, LeeAnn (Larry) Bridgeland, Cathy (Randy) Etheridge, Mark (Karen) Branch, Doug (Deb) Branch, Mike (Terri) Odell and Melanie (Jay) Bilyeu; grandchildren, Ben, Ryan, Kelsey, Jordan, Tiera, Drew, Matt, Melissa (Dido) and Allison; great-grandchildren, Brenden, Kevin, and Kaylynn; fraternal aunts, Pauline (Harold) Williams and Etheleda Drake; and special cousin, Lora (Van) Vieregge. Memorial service at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 412 N. Church St., Rockford, with the Rev. Pamela Hillenbrand officiating. Visitation from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road. Private family interment in Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Larry's family requests that memorials be made to Winnebago County CASA, 403 Elm St., Rockford, IL 61101 or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.