William "Bill" Bylsma

William “Bill” Bylsma, 87, of Rockford passed away March 14, 2017 in Alden Debes Nursing Home. Born October 12, 1929 in Desoto, MO the son of the late Manus and Ankie (Heinz) Bylsma. William was one of eleven children. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He married Gladys Dixon on December 20, 1953. He retired from Sundstrand Corp. in 1989.

Survivors include wife, Gladys; sisters, Anna Snell, Florence Russell; sister-in-law, Amy (Tony) Bylsma; son, Rodney (Luisa); daughter, Cindy (Steve) Gackstetter; grandchildren, Erik (Aleesha) Bylsma, Matt Bylsma, John, David, and Joseph Gackstetter; step grandchildren, Ivan Castro, Indi (Scott) Betts; great grandchildren, Gavin, Madeline, Norah Bylsma; step great grandchildren Eva, Camilla Betts; and numerous nieces, nephew, and cousins. Predeceased by parents; brothers, Manus, Charles, Tony; sisters, Sadie (Wayne) Williams, Ollie (Ed) Kern, Helen (Clarence) Heitmann, Minnie (John) Baker, Sylvia (Jo) Staroski, and grandson, Michael Gackstetter. A special thanks to Senior Helpers, Alden Debes, and to Heartland Hospice.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 17, 2017 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory – Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

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