Obituary

Bernard "Bernie" Wayne Kittle 1931—2016
Bernard "Bernie" Wayne Kittle of Rockford went on to be with His Heavenly Father on June 30, 2016. He was born March 24, 1931, to George and Elva (Birchall) Kittle in Hayes Center, Nebraska. There, in 1950, he married the love of his life, Lodema … his "darling Deenie." Together, they raised three sons, Douglas, Daniel and Randall in Rockford, IL. Bernie served as a first lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force. This spurred on his love of aviation and helped lead him to his career at Sundstrand. He worked at Sundstrand for 35 years, managing its operations all around the globe, helping it to become an aerospace giant. Bernie was an avid reader and tackled everything he did with passion. His hobbies included playing golf, photography and gardening — having had their beautiful Japanese garden in the Garden Glory walk twice. He and Deenie loved to travel. They were very involved with their First Free Church's Berean Sunday School class and enjoyed hosting its annual picnic in their yard. Bernie was generous and kind, and loved attending his grandchildren's musical or sporting events. He leaves his cherished wife, Deenie; sons, Douglas (Barbara) of Kokomo, IN, Daniel (Vicky) of Carmel, IN and Randall (Gini) of Rockford; grandchildren, Nick, Cassandra (Matt) Ray, Milea (Matthew) Kammer, Brittany (Nick) Clore, Anna (Paul) Benson, Rachel (Jaron) Benson and Benjamin Kittle; great-grandchildren, Alyssia Kittle, Miles and Marlowe Ray, Vivienne Clore and Jonas Benson; and brother, Carl Kittle of Cedar Falls, IA. Preceded in death by brother, Keith Kittle of Huntsville, AL. The family would like to express special gratitude to the staff at Lincolnshire Place.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2016, in the Chapel of First Evangelical Free Church, 2223 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, with Rev. Chuck Rife officiating. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Rockford Rescue Mission. Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory is honored to assist the family. To share a memory or express condolences, visi