Brian Dale Hurd, age 62 of Rock Falls, IL, died Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at Iowa City VA Medical Center, after a very brief and sudden illness.
Brian was born on October 3, 1953, in Rochelle, IL, the son of Dale and Janice (Behmer) Hurd. He is a graduate of Rock Falls High School, Class of 1971. He married his childhood sweetheart, Audrey Gibbons, in Rock Falls, and the two celebrated 44 years of marriage on April 7. Brian is a United States Army Veteran. In October 2015, he retired from the Army National Guard after 20 years. During his time in the National Guard, he was a master gunner, drove Semi’s for 1644th, and served our Country in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from 2008-2009. Brian worked at Northwestern Steel and Wire for 30 years and at Illinois Forge for nine years. He was an avid gun collector and competed in many competitions on a National Guard shooting team. He enjoyed video games and golfing. Brian was a Past Commander of the VFW in Rock Falls, where he was a lifetime member. Brian was very loyal to his family, his Country, and his close friends and always put them first.
Survivors include his wife, Audrey of Rock Falls; one daughter, Jennifer Hurd of Sterling; one son, Michael Hurd of Rock Falls; two sisters, Debra (Paul) Wikoff of Morrison, IL, and Dawn (Kevin) Cannon of Sterling; two granddaughters, Taylor Schofield and Ava Penaflor; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Bruce Hurd.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 13, 2016, at 2:30 p.m., at Rock Island National Cemetery with full Military honors.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at the VFW in Rock Falls, IL, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Rock Falls VFW.