Raymond A. Faulkner, 77

Loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather

ROCKFORD -- Raymond A. Faulkner, 77, died Friday, March 18, 2005, in Rockford Memorial Hospital, surrounded by family. He was born Jan. 25, 1928, in Rockford, the son of Arthur and Mildred (Johnson) Faulkner. Their farm was on land now part of Rock Cut State Park. Ray often spoke of growing up there and farming with horses. He was employed by Blackhawk Redi Mix for 40 years and a member of Teamster Local 325 for 56 years. Ray was a more than 20-year member of Alcoholics Anonymous and enjoyed the friendship of many there. Ray loved the farm near Shirland where he raised Belgium horses and used them around the community for wagon-drawn rides. He was the original builder and owner of River's Edge Campground. He was also an organ donor. He is lovingly survived by children, LaRay (Rodney) Flom of Beloit, Wis., Bill (Sherie) Faulkner of Rockton, Kay Faulkner of Waianae, Hawaii, Jay Ann (Rick) Bell of Roscoe, Gary (Brenda) Faulkner of Rockton and Raymond E. Faulkner of Rockton. He is additionally survived by eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandsons; and one great-granddaughter. Predeceased by parents; sister, Theo Thompson; brother, Everett "Bud" Hess; grandson, David Flom; and granddaughter, Stacy Langholf.
Service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, in Shirland United Methodist Church, with visitation from 10 a.m. to service time. Visitation will also be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. The casket will be taken to Shirland Cemetery by horse-drawn carriage. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Shirland Fire Department, Alcoholics Anonymous or to the family.