John George H. Blake

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 1942; World War II (US) US Army - Europe

Notes:

John G.H. BLAKE, 86 ROCKFORD - John G.H. Blake, 86, entered into eternal rest Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007. He was a resident in Wesley Willows Nursing Home. John Blake was born Jan. 5, 1921, in Rockford, son of John D. and Helen (Hopkins) Blake. A 1938 graduate of Central High School in Rockford, he went on to attend the University of Georgia where he graduated in 1942. He was a member of the U.S. Army following college graduation, serving in England and France during World War II. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves until the early 1960's. It was in England during World War II where he met and married his beloved wife, Gwen Trafford, on April 12, 1945. She had resigned her post as an officer in the Royal Air Force. Gwen died in 2003. John and Gwen both enjoyed traveling to England to visit her sister's family. For many years they were members of the Rockford Lawn Bowling League. John was employed in the family business, Blake Co., for more than 45 years. He was a long-time member of Second Congregational Church and University Club in Rockford. He also was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club. John was an avid Cub's fan and enjoyed watching other sports. John is survived by daughter, Elizabeth (William) of Littleton, Colo.; son, John (Janelle) of Greeley, Colo.; two grandchildren living out of state, Kerianne and Steven; and three great-grandchildren. Local Rockford survivors include brother, David, and his children Diane, David, Nancy and Carol and their families. In addition, two second cousins living out of state; two nieces and a nephew who live in England with their families. Funeral at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, in Second Congregational Church, with the Rev. Michael Solberg, Pastor, officiating. A reception will follow in the church dining area. Visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, in Anderson Long Klontz Funeral Home, 6825 Weaver Road. Private family burial. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at Second Congregational Church for the church foundation fund for use of the children of the church.

John married Gwendolyn Maple Trafford on 12 Apr 1945 in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England. Gwendolyn (daughter of Samuel Thomas Trafford and Maple Willey) was born on 19 May 1919 in Caistor, Lincolnshire, England; died on 21 Oct 2003 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois; was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Contact Info: edavnprt@ecentral.com

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]