Larry Aldridge

Larry Gene Aldridge, 76, of Stillman Valley, passed away on July 19, 2022, in Swedish American Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on December 16, 1945, in Gideon, Missouri; the son of Coy and Virginia (Fowler) Aldridge. He graduated from Dupo High School in Dupo, IL in 1964. Larry married Cathy Horath on January 27, 1968, in Byron. He worked as an operator for Rockford Blacktop and Fischer with Local #150. He was also the owner of Valley Door in Stillman Valley installing/repairing garage doors. Larry was a long-time member of the Masonic Lodge 274 in Byron. If you know Larry, then you know his favorite pastime was hanging out in his garage with his wife Cathy drinking his Pabst Blue Ribbon. He enjoyed farming, his tractors, and playing golf. He was always tinkering with something on the farm. Larry and Cathy spent their winters in Florida enjoying time with their friends. He loved his rescued furry friend, Lefty the kitten. Another favorite pastime was laying on the blacktop watching the airplanes fly by with his girls. He would do anything to spend as much time with his precious grandbabies. He also enjoyed being with his family and eating Cathy’s home cooking.  Survivors include his loving wife, Cathy; children Dena Aldridge and Jay (Denise) Aldridge; granddaughters Maddi (Zach Eastman) Knouse and Logan Knouse; siblings Laura (Robert) Burns, James (Donna) Aldridge, Harlen (Carol) Aldridge, Terry (Debbie) Aldridge, and Sharon Brotman; sister-in-law Loretta Aldridge; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and brother Leonard Aldridge. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 1 pm until the last Pabst has been enjoyed at the farm, 5797 N. Stillman Road, Stillman Valley, IL 61084. Anyone that has been a part of Larry’s life is welcome to stop by for “one more”. Larry had many blood transfusions, so in memory of Larry, the family is requesting that you donate blood at the Rock River Valley Blood Center, 419 N. 6 th St. Rockford, IL 61107.