1944
F.
2015
F. John Fitch
February 8, 1944 — January 7, 2015
F. John Fitch, 70, of Keithsburg, IL, died Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at home.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2015, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Avenue, Moline. Military honors will be conducted by Moline American Legion Post 246. Per his wishes cremation rites will be accorded and there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established in his name.
John was born in Chorley, England on February 8, 1944. He was the son of Evertt and Ruth Sanderson Fitch of Moline, IL. John and his mother made the journey from England to the United States on September 13, 1946. They traveled on the USNS Henry Gibbins. After arrival in the United States, John and his mother took residence in Osborn, IL, where they awaited the return of his father, whom was serving in WWII.
John has one sister, Janet Fitch Lindstrom. He has one niece and two nephews (Wendy Herndon, Thad, and Todd Lindstrom). The family eventually took up residence in Moline, IL
On September 30, 1961, he and two friends enlisted in the United States Navy. He obtained the rank of Navy Boilerman and served upon the USS Hull during the Vietnam conflict. He returned to Illinois after receiving an honorable discharge on March 26, 1965.
John made the Quad Cities his home. He obtained employment from Sears, where was well known as a service technician, and retired after 36 ½ years.
After returning to Illinois, he was married to Linda L. Friday of Hillsdale, IL, on October 22, 1966. They had a son, Michael John Fitch, whom died in infancy in 1968.
John and Linda wished to fill their home with children. After contacting Bethany Children's Home, that dream was fulfilled. Timothy Fitch of Bedford, IN, joined the family in 1969. Later they were blessed again with a daughter, Katie (James Marr) Fitch in 1974. They loved and cherished both and their family was complete. John was also later blessed with two granddaughters, Linda and Annera Fitch, and three grandsons, Rylan and Dylan Marr, and Nathan Fitch.
On August 2, 1996, Linda passed away two months prior to their 30th wedding anniversary.
In April of 2005, John met his present wife, Deanna K. Forrest-Fitch (children, Jessica H. and Amanda G.). They became inseparable companions and the best of friends.
John passed away on January the 7th, 2015, as his wife sat, as always, by his side.
John loved life itself. He faced each day in search of a new conquest. His hobbies included motorcycles, camping, fishing, being with friends, lots of jokes and his many memories. He also had a great love for animals.
Over the past few years, he and Deanna had taken on the challenge of rescuing cats. Most all had found themselves displaced by those not so thoughtful. He took time to care for each one. Most found homes through no-kill shelters. Those deemed unadoptable became permanent residents. Each given love, food, and heated shelter. If there is a message in it, spay/neuter, an animal is your lifelong responsibility, not something to throw away. John also left behind his two beloved dogs, and four house cats, who have all felt his loss.
Online condolences may be left for his family by visiting esterdahl.com.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2015, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Avenue, Moline. Military honors will be conducted by Moline American Legion Post 246. Per his wishes cremation rites will be accorded and there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established in his name.
John was born in Chorley, England on February 8, 1944. He was the son of Evertt and Ruth Sanderson Fitch of Moline, IL. John and his mother made the journey from England to the United States on September 13, 1946. They traveled on the USNS Henry Gibbins. After arrival in the United States, John and his mother took residence in Osborn, IL, where they awaited the return of his father, whom was serving in WWII.
John has one sister, Janet Fitch Lindstrom. He has one niece and two nephews (Wendy Herndon, Thad, and Todd Lindstrom). The family eventually took up residence in Moline, IL
On September 30, 1961, he and two friends enlisted in the United States Navy. He obtained the rank of Navy Boilerman and served upon the USS Hull during the Vietnam conflict. He returned to Illinois after receiving an honorable discharge on March 26, 1965.
John made the Quad Cities his home. He obtained employment from Sears, where was well known as a service technician, and retired after 36 ½ years.
After returning to Illinois, he was married to Linda L. Friday of Hillsdale, IL, on October 22, 1966. They had a son, Michael John Fitch, whom died in infancy in 1968.
John and Linda wished to fill their home with children. After contacting Bethany Children's Home, that dream was fulfilled. Timothy Fitch of Bedford, IN, joined the family in 1969. Later they were blessed again with a daughter, Katie (James Marr) Fitch in 1974. They loved and cherished both and their family was complete. John was also later blessed with two granddaughters, Linda and Annera Fitch, and three grandsons, Rylan and Dylan Marr, and Nathan Fitch.
On August 2, 1996, Linda passed away two months prior to their 30th wedding anniversary.
In April of 2005, John met his present wife, Deanna K. Forrest-Fitch (children, Jessica H. and Amanda G.). They became inseparable companions and the best of friends.
John passed away on January the 7th, 2015, as his wife sat, as always, by his side.
John loved life itself. He faced each day in search of a new conquest. His hobbies included motorcycles, camping, fishing, being with friends, lots of jokes and his many memories. He also had a great love for animals.
Over the past few years, he and Deanna had taken on the challenge of rescuing cats. Most all had found themselves displaced by those not so thoughtful. He took time to care for each one. Most found homes through no-kill shelters. Those deemed unadoptable became permanent residents. Each given love, food, and heated shelter. If there is a message in it, spay/neuter, an animal is your lifelong responsibility, not something to throw away. John also left behind his two beloved dogs, and four house cats, who have all felt his loss.
Online condolences may be left for his family by visiting esterdahl.com.
Visitation Details
Sunday, January 11th, 2015, 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory
To send flowers to the family in memory of F. John Fitch, please visit our flower store.