Wendell E. Griffis, 80, of Rockford, died Thursday, December 28, 2006 in his home. He was born June 24, 1926 in Caledonia, Illinois. He has lived 20 years in Rockford, coming here from Belvidere. He married Leatha Short in Belvidere on October 10, 1945. He was employed as a Crane Operator for Mississippi Valley Company. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 150. He was a family man and in his spare time, enjoyed working on cars and maintaining his lawn. Wendell attended Hononegah High School. Wendell is survived by his wife Leatha Ann, Rockford; three children, Katherine (John) Jurczak, Huntington Beach, Cal.; Kenneth E.(Pennee L. Brotsche) Griffis Aurora, Ill.; and Wendy (Ronald) Simmons, Rockford, Ill.; 6 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandson and sister.