Former Rockford resident, Larry A. Baltzell, 57, of Celina, died at 12:01 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008, at his residence. Death was due to Erdheim-Chester Disease.

He was born Oct. 23, 1950, in Celina, to Fred A. and Martha J. Robbins Baltzell. His mother survives in Rockford. On June 7, 1970, he married Sheila Wood, who also survives.

Other survivors are three sons, Christopher (Leslie), Celina, Scott (Carianne), Mansfield, and Thomas (Ann), Columbus; a brother, Todd (Karla), Rockford; three sisters, Connie (Denny) Hamrick, Laura (Mark) Burger and Amy (Tom) Lyons, all of Rockford; a mother-in-law, Virginia Wood, Celina; and three grandchildren.

Larry co-owned the former Rockford Press for 10 years and retired from Findlay Industries as a project engineer. He was a member of the Rockford Presbyterian Church, served on the Rockford Village Council for two years, was a former volunteer arson investigator, a volunteer Rockford firefighter and assistant fire chief.

Services are 2 p.m. Thursday, at the church, the Revs. Karen Long and Richard S. Hays officiating. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, and Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Hospice, Rockford Recreation Association or Leota Braun Foundation.

Condolences can be sent to ketchamripleyfh@embarqmail.com.