Caroline Ida Kilgore

Caroline was born in the small city of Boone, Iowa on October the 4th, 1926 Later relocating to the city of Rockford, Illinois.

Caroline was very much a part of our greatest generation. During the World War II, Caroline worked as a "Rosie the Riveter" in the factories for the C-47 Transportation Aircraft where she found herself working as a Bucker/riveter inside the wings of the plane. Caroline attended school during the day at East High School in Rockford, IL and went to the C-47 factories in the early evenings working into the late nights tirelessly tending the aircraft to help to preserve our nation and keep our boys flying. Caroline's dedication to her country and devotion to the war effort allowed for men that were needed desperately in Germany and Japan to be able to deploy. Her contributions to this nation protected the freedoms that we know and love today. We are sure for those men that flew in the C-47 aircraft that there was a comfort knowing a women like Caroline helped construct the aircraft they rode in on their way into to battle. As loving and as hardworking as she always was, Caroline was truly the joy the earth needed at a time when the world was at war. she truly was a women who helped build this wonderful country of ours. As Caroline would say " The war was won by God using women and men to do their best to support their country".

Caroline met and fell in love with Ivan E. Harris who had fought in Germany during the war. Together they had four children. Michael E. Harris (Ruth), Charles A Harris (Lynn), Linda C. Nelson (Steve) and Brenda K. Williams (Jeff). Later in life she Married WM C. Kilgore.

She lived her life as a dedicated follower of Jesus, a nurse, a professional clown, a great cook and baker, an extraordinary quilter, a mother, a grandmother of 8 and a great grandmother of 10 and one on the way!

She recently has been very involved in the Rosie the Riveter Club of Sun City, Arizona. She has given many speeches to museums, colleges, tech schools, churches, high schools and anyone who wished to know more about WWII and our greatest generation.

Caroline recently went to Hawaii accompanied by friends and two sons to be honored for her war contributions.

Caroline was to fly to Washington, D.C to receive the congressional Gold medal from speaker of the house Mike Johnson on April,10th,2024 for her contributions to our country and the War effort of WWII, however the Lord decided she was needed in heaven more.

Caroline was predeceased by Ivan E Harris, WM C Kilgore and her daughter in law JoAnn Harris.

She will be missed but never forgotten by her family, many friends and a forever grateful nation.

We want to say special thank you’s to United Hospice, Nurse Danielle, Chaplin Ricky and DR. Wilson for making her departure as peaceful as could be.

Thank you Caroline for the impressions you made on this nation and the hearts of each person you have met. You will be loved always and missed forever.