Victor Hugo Tewes, November 10, 1930 – May 5, 2021. Vic was a lanky, big-boned guy who rode a motorcycle in his youth wearing a black leather jacket. He worked on all types of engines, including airplane engines, which he began while in the army and continued throughout his career. He was also a quiet, thoughtful man who led by example. Throughout his life his actions matched his character of being unassuming, religious, hardworking, and a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Victor Hugo Tewes, 90, of Rockford, IL passed away on May 5, 2021. He was born on November 10, 1930 in Merrill, WI, the son of Rudolph and Sarah Tewes. He met Rosemary Hooper during Arthur Murray dance lessons and they married on May 3, 1958 in Rockford, IL. Together, they raised a family of seven children, making it a priority to send his children through Catholic schools. Victor and Rosemary instilled in their children the responsibility to nurture family. Family gatherings were large and boisterous with plenty of food with the ultimate goal to keep connections flowing and strong. He knew what was important in life. His children include teachers, business women, devoted care givers, and a son who is a problem solver like his Dad. They are all devout, good community members and selfless. Vic has left a legacy that has made the world a better place. Victor was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Victor was fascinated by planes – frequently amazing his children by identifying the type of plane only by the sound of it flying overhead – and was a part of the EAA in Oshkosh. He worked as an airplane mechanic at the Rockford airport for his entire career. He enjoyed doing puzzles, listening to polka music, watching Lawrence Welk, and hearing the many stories and adventures of his children and grandchildren. Vic was bright and resourceful, tinkering and fixing everything he could. He deftly handled the complexities of airplane engines, all the family cars, and every home maintenance issue. If he didn’t have the right tool to complete the job, he would do what only Vic would do, and make his own. After his retirement, he really enjoyed ‘Breakfast with the Boys’. Special thanks to Vince Breuer for driving him after Vic’s stroke, allowing him to continue this treasured practice. He had a love for Swedish pancakes, but his sweet tooth did not stop there. He was also a connoisseur of apple pie, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and anything chocolate – frequently attempting to start dinner with dessert.
He is survived by his children: Linda Tewes of Roselle, IL, Barbara Tewes of Sun Prairie, WI, Sharon Tewes of Whitmore Lake, MI, Mary Tewes of Rockford, Teresa (Peter) Daleske of Lake Zurich, IL, Michael Tewes of Rockford, and Rita Tewes of Roselle, IL; his grandchildren: Jack, James, Eleanor, and Emma Daleske; brother, M. Patrick “Rudy” Tewes; nephews, George (Connie) Knopse and James Tewes; brother-in-law, Tom Hooper; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Sandven, Ginny Forrest, Betty (John) Hart, Patty (Ron) Wallace; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary, on February 5, 2018; parents; brother, Rudy (Doris) Tewes; sister, Vivian (Bill) Knospe; sisters-in-law, Alice Tewes, and Bonnie Hooper; and brothers-in-law, Robert Hooper, Roger Sandven and Phil Forrest.
Visitation and Rosary will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 3910 North Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 2505 School St, Rockford, IL 61101. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be given to St. Patrick’s Church (2505 School St, Rockford, IL 61101) and/or Rockford Stateline Stroke Support Group ((815) 381-8500). Being a father of seven, money was not abundant but he was always willing to give all he had. Who could ask more of someone who would give everything?