GENOA – Kenneth “Ray” Atkinson, 75, passed away recently at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.

He was born Oct. 20, 1937, in Sims, the son of Bill and Inez Atkinson. He married Avalon Alderks in 1955.

Survivors include his wife; sons, Kenneth Jr. “Beaver” of Janesville, Wis., George (Brenda) Atkinson of Kingston, Brian (Julie) Atkinson of Hampshire, Ralph (Beverly) Atkinson of Genoa and Kevin (Judy) Atkinson of Belvidere; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; four brothers, John (Norma) Atkinson of Ashton, Grover Atkinson of Ottawa, Donald (Joyce) Atkinson of Arkansas and Andy (Laura) Atkinson of Franklin Grove; three sisters, May Pierce and Luelle “Birdie” (Doug) Blackbourn, both of Dixon, and Irene (Bill) Forreston of Amboy; and numerous nieces and nephews.