Thomas D. McFadden

STERLING – Thomas D. McFadden, 73, of Sterling, died peacefully Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, at his home following an extended illness.

He was born July 20, 1938, in Sterling, the son of Francis Thomas and Rosalie (Hajvert) McFadden. He attended St. Mary School, and was a graduate of Newman High School. He served in the Navy from 1957 to 1961. He married Ruth Balk on Oct. 14, 1961, in Rock Falls.

He worked at the former Sterling Bakery, then was chief clerk at Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. in Sterling before retiring. After retiring, he worked at Young’s Bakery in Rock Falls and the Sterling Walmart bakery. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling, and was a collector of “Old Time Radio,” a collector of family photos, was the family genealogist, and had a great love of baking.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth; one son, Thomas J. McFadden of Sterling; three daughters, Anne (Tim) Nehrkorn and Theresa (Bob) Burger Jr., both of Rock Falls, and Susan (James) Steffey of Cincinnati; five grandchildren, Karina Nehrkorn, Nicole Steffey, Drew Burger, Chris “CJ” Steffey and Logan Steffey; three sisters, Julia (Ken) Jacobs of Rock Falls, Louise Byvick of Milledgeville and Elizabeth (Arlyn) Gerdes of Sterling; two brothers, Francis McFadden and James (Peggy) McFadden, both of Rock Falls; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John McFadden; and two sisters, Marie Anderson and Suzanne Lewandowski.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1002 12th Ave., in Rock Falls. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church, with the Rev. Donald Ahles, celebrant, officiating. Military honors will follow.

Memorial funds have been established to Hospice of the Rock River Valley, St. Mary Grade School and St. Andrew Grade School.