Earl Valdean "Val" Antrim

Earl Valdean "Val" Antrim, 83, of Rockford, formerly of Peoria and Wheaton, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2012. Val was born May 11, 1928 in Lacon, Illinois, son of Earl Freeman and Velma Belle (Campbell) Antrim. He married Rosemary Flint in Pekin, Illinois, August 4, 1949.
Val was the valedictorian of his Varna High School graduating class and earned a scholarship to the University of Illinois. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture and rank of 2nd Lieutenant in ROTC. He was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity.
He served in the United States Army completing active duty in Germany. His dedication to his country continued with years of service in the Army Reserves, retiring at the rank of captain.
He was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Company as a district representative. Later he became president and owner of BCT Printing in Schaumberg, Lombard, Chicago and Honolulu.
Val was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, life member of Schiller Lodge, Peoria, and a member of the Medina Shrine Black Horse Troop riding in parades around the country benefitting the Shrine Children's Hospital. A highlight was riding with his Black Horse Troop in the Rose Bowl Parade. His volunteerism also included serving as Commander of the DuPage County Power Squadron and training officer for boating safety and navigation.
Survived by his wife of 63 years, Rosemary, Rockford, IL; daughters, Gail (John) McWilliams, Urbana, IL; Dr. Pamela (Roger) Schmidt, Belvidere, IL; son, James Antrim, East Moline, IL; grandchildren, Leslie Schmidt,
Chicago, IL, Stephanie Schmidt and Karla Schmidt both of Rockford, Chris (Portia) Antrim and Jennifer Antrim both of Phoenix, AZ, Brittany Antrim and Tyler Antrim, both of West Chicago, IL, Kelli (Mike) Bush, Champaign, IL, and Korey McWilliams, Chicago, IL.
He was pre-deceased by his sister, Doris Antrim.
Val was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather and will be dearly missed.
Memorial Service with Masonic Rites will be held at Cremation Society of Illinois/Perry Chapel, 6825 Weaver Road, Rockford, IL, on Saturday, February 18 at 1:30 p.m. Visitation from 12:30 till service time.
Memorials to Shriner's Hospital for Children, Burn Unit, 3229 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3095, a charity dear to his heart through his work with the Black Horse Troop of Medina Shrine, or to the Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center Benevolence Fund, 3470 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, IL, 61114.
Cremation Society of Illinois assisted the family.