Karl B. McCardle

Karl B. McCardle

Oct 29, 1941 - Aug 30, 2026

Karl B. McCardle, 84, of Rockton, passed away on August
30, 2026, in his home, following a struggle with dementia
and cancer. Born on October 29, 1941, in Rockford, son of
Daniel and Ingeborg (Peterson) McCardle. Karl was a graduate
of Dixon High School Class of 1959. During his high school
years, he was an accomplished French horn player, performing
with his high school band as well as the Illinois Boys State Band.

Karl proudly served in the United States Army from 1961-1964.
As a part of the Army Security Agency, he served during the
“advisory era” of the Vietnam War, and then in Japan. After his
discharge, his dog, Roscoe, was his comfort companion as Karl
adjusted to life after his military service. In 2016, Karl was
honored to travel with Vets Roll to visit the Washington DC War
Memorials with his fellow veterans.

He was united in marriage to Sharon Boomer on September 6,
1969, in Winnebago. They welcomed their daughter, Laurel, in

1972. Together, Karl and Sharon shared more than 56 years of
      marriage, building a life filled with family, travel, shared interests,
      and countless memories.

Karl retired in 1990 from Illinois Bell/AT&T, where he worked as
a communications engineer. Resourceful and mechanically
inclined, Karl had an ability to look at a problem and figure out a
solution. His knowledge extended beyond telecommunications,
and included all manner of repairs. If you needed something fixed
or couldn’t find the right part, Karl could recreate that part in his
basement machine shop. More importantly, if someone needed
him, they knew they could call, and Karl would be there.

Karl was an avid history buff with a particular interest in military
history. Family vacations often became historical adventures,
carefully planned to include forts, battlefields, museums, and
historical tours along the way. A memorable cross country trip to
visit family when his daughter was young included multiple
national parks, monuments, and forests, as well as stops at
seemingly every fort and museum along the way. For Karl, getting
there was part of the adventure, especially when there was history
to discover.

His devoted his time to many organizations. Karl was a member
of Kepotah Sportsman’s Club for over 50 years, Roscoe VFW
Post #2955, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Company
of Military Historians, and Rockton Township Historical
Society. A proud Mason, he was a member of Durand Masonic
Lodge #302, where he served as Master several times, Roscoe
Masonic Lodge #75, and Scottish Rite Valley of Freeport. He was
also a member of Durand Chapter #419, Order of the Eastern
Star, where he served as Worthy Patron beside his daughter,
Laurel, multiple times.

Karl was happiest when he could be outdoors. He enjoyed
hiking, spending time on the water in his boat, and the many
vacations his family took to the Northwoods. Spring brought
another favorite pursuit; searching the woods for morel
mushrooms. He became a skilled morel hunter and knew just
when and where to look for those elusive treasures.

He also loved mental challenges, especially the daily crossword,
and watching Jeopardy, often with a cat on his lap. He passed on
a love of cribbage and other card games to his daughter and
enjoyed playing in tournaments at Kepotah. One of his favorite
hobbies was finding and restoring antique fishing reels.

Animals held a special place in Karl’s life, and he shared his years
with multiple pets. During his final illness his beloved cat, Tank,
became his constant companion, sleeping on his lap in the
recliner and at his bedside.

Karl will be remembered for his intelligence, curiosity,
resourcefulness, and remarkable ability to make things work. He
was someone his family and friends could depend upon; a man
who knew how to fix things, find answers, lend a hand, and
simply show up when someone needed him. His love of history,
the outdoors, animals, and a good challenge were woven
throughout his life, but the people he shared those things with
were what made them meaningful.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Laurel “Laurie”
(Peter) Hooper; niece Lauri John, brother-in-law, Gary (Peggy)
Boomer; sister-in-law, Suzanne Boomer; nephew, Steven (Joann)
Boomer; great-niece, Kelsey Boomer; great-nephews, Anthony
(Julia) Boomer and Wyatt Boomer; and his faithful feline, Tank.

Karl was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Donna Mendro;
niece, Debra Kittenbacher; Mother in Law, Hazel Boomer; and the
many special pets who enriched his life throughout the years,
including his beloved Roscoe.

Memorial Visitation on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 1 pm to
3 pm, followed by Masonic Service and a celebration of Karl’s life
at 3:00 pm at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services; 4301 N.
Main St. Rockford.

Live Stream of the service can be viewed here:
https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/5WW6R3 Funeral
Celebrant Jennifer Thompson will officiate.

Private Interment in
Durand Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Vets Roll: Donate
Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.

GRACE FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES
4301 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103