Dedicated and Much Loved Husband, Father, Teacher and Friend
Daniel William McAvoy, 64, of Roscoe graduated to heaven on October 29, 2013 at 11:23 a.m., after a 13 year illness. Born on December 20, 1948 in Skokie, son of William and Laura (Gerken) McAvoy. Dan was recruited to play football at Iowa State, where he graduated with a Master of Science in 1973, majoring in education. United in Marriage to Marnie Pierson on November 14, 1981 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Roscoe. Dan was a loving and devoted husband and father, and will be missed greatly by his family. He was their funny guy, making them laugh with his clever comments and dry sense of humor. His first teaching job, in 1973-1974 was at Adlai Stevenson High School, where he coached football. Most recently, he was a teacher at Hononegah High School. If someone asked Dan what he taught, he would say, "Kids." Teaching was his true passion. He worked hard to make a difference in the lives of the children that he taught, in school, Sunday school and the sports that he coached. Dan was artistic and good with his hands. He enjoyed teaching the prerequisite program for Building Trades and IOC. He coached football his first year at the school, and started the soccer program in 1983. Dan built the goal posts, nets, tended to the field and worked to inspire his players. He oversaw the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the American Field Service Programs at various points in his career. Dan was also a wrestling coach for many years. After 25 years of teaching at Hononegah, he took an early retirement in 2005, due to his illness. Member of the Winnebago County retired Teachers. Former member of People's Church in Beloit. Member of Hope Evangelical Free Church, where he loved teaching Sunday school, and participating in mission trips to Bolivia and Mexico. Survived by his wife, Marnie; daughters, Brook (Mike) Rosenberger, Debbie (Chad) Grieves, Becca (Dan) Ivancich, Amy (Karl) Preheim; sons, Chris (Mimi) Pierson, Eric (Missie) Pierson; grandchildren, Brandon and Meghan Grieves, Christopher, Rachel, and Andrea Pierson, Joshua, Jordan and Breanna Pierson, Marko and Alek Ivancich, Stone, Nathan and Seth Preheim, Riley and Taylor Rosenberger. Preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Patty Gallagher and Nancy Bond. The McAvoy family is grateful to the staff of VNA Hospice for their loving and compassionate care, especially Molly and Beverly as well as caregivers, Chrisie and Nancy. A Funeral Service will be Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 4 p.m. at Hope Evangelical Free Church, 5656 Elevator Road, Roscoe. Rev. Kevin Dick will officiate. Visitation on Friday, November 1, 2013 from 5-8 p.m. at the church. Additional visitation from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., on Saturday, November 2, 2103 at the church. Private interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Stateline Youth for Christ, 316 Wood Road, Rockford 61107. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.graceFH.com