WILLIAM ‘BILL’ A. LEE, 78 ROCKFORD – William “Bill” A. Lee, 78, of Rockford passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2011, in Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born Jan. 20, 1933, in Miltonvale, Kan., the son of Jesse and Mona Lee. He came to Rockford and attended West High School. Married Phyllis Mezera on April 18, 1953, in St. John Church in Prairie du Chien, Wis. Bill worked for 26 years on the Rockford Fire Department, then became state fire marshal. Member of St. Bernadette Church, Venetian Club, Lombardi Club and Flatlander’s Chapter of Muskies Inc., where he was one of the founders and the first president. Bill was an avid gardener, Bears and Cubs fan and was always a proud grandpa. Survivors include wife, Phyllis; children, Mark (Patty), Steve, Scot (Suzanne), Mona Thornton and Tim; grandchildren, Amy and Audrey Burks, Elaina Lee, Erica Lee, Kristin Lee and Ellenie (Adam Palmer) Lee, Daniel Thornton, Bill Lee and Ian Thornton; great-grandchildren, Alix Burks, Iris Garcia, Grace Clark, Robert Clark, Brooklyn Kohr Mya Palmer and Angus Burks; sister, Mona Almond; sisters-in-law, Patricia Lee of Roscoe and Eleanor Lee of Durant, Okla. Also will be missed by his dog and walking companion, Sasha. Predeceased by his parents and brothers, Dr. Marcus Lee, Judge Paul Lee and Carl lee.