Rockford, IllinoisLynn A. Wallace, 55, of Rockford, Il and formerly of Walnut, IL and Belvidere, IL died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon, March 26, 2009 at Swedish American Hospital after a lingering illness. Lynn was born in Chicago, IL the son of Leslie A. and Marilyn Rose (Smith) Wallace on July 26, 1953. Lynn's childhood dream was to work for the railroad. He started his railroad career as a switchman and became an engineer for both freight and passenger trains. His career was spent with the Milwaukee, Soo Line, Northwestern and Metra lines. Lynn was a fan of the Cubs, Sox, and Bears. He loved to scuba dive and was a marathon runner, running in the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, New York and Boston Marathons to name a few. Lynn was also very generous to those in need. He survived by his loving family, Margie Wallace; children, Christopher Wallace, Cheryl Wallace, Jeremy Wallace, Sandra (John) Risola, Ron (Wendy) Nobles, Shane Gross; grandchildren including Mitch and Chelsea Bogda and Zack and Taylor Nobles; one great grandchild on the way; brother Kevin (Sonja) Wallace and all of his family in Des Moines, IA. Lynn is predeceased by his parents and grandparents.

Memorials may be directed to the family in lieu of flowers to help those less fortunate.