Frank Key

Frank E. Key, 83, of Rockford, IL, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Born June 13, 1942, in Minneapolis, MN. He was married to Mary on April 1, 1963, having decided that they would need a good sense of humor to make married life happy and successful. They had three children: Errol, Heather, and Susanne.

Frank graduated from West High School in Rockford, IL in 1960 before joining the United States Marine Corp, where he achieved the rank of Lance Corporal before being honorably discharged. He worked as a department manager and later as an assistant store manager for Kmart. He had the privilege of being the first and only manager who did not attend college. He worked for Kmart for 35 years.

His favorite hobbies included golfing, fishing, baseball, gardening, and feeding birds. He was on the course as often as the weather would permit, and indoors during the winter. He had the patience to enjoy a quiet morning fishing out on the water and enjoyed a great catch even more. He loved both playing baseball and watching games. He delighted in gardening and growing beautiful flowers to admire in his yard. He liked to feed and watch the birds that visited his garden.

Frank is survived by his wife, Mary, their children, Errol, Heather, and Susanne, and his grandkids, Brandt, Sarah, Maryssa, Lauren, and Noah.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am, January 17, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 620 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL 61107. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com