John Junior Recknagel, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away suddenly on Friday, May 3, 2019 at the age of 74. He was born in Fairmont, WV on November 7, 1944, son of John Richard Recknagel and Evelyn Jane (Stacey) Recknagel.

John lived in Fairmont, WV until age 5, when the family moved to Alton, Illinois to begin careers at Owens-Illinois Glass Co. His grandfather, his father, his uncle and John all worked for many years for Owens-Illinois. He graduated from Alton Senior High School in 1962. While in college, he met Clara in January of 1963, he was the boy next door. They married in July of 1964. John graduated from SIU-Edwardsville with a degree in Liberal Studies. He worked as a computer programmer for Owens-Illinois for 20 years. He transferred to Rockford, Illinois as a computer analyst in 1984. He enjoyed all forms of computer technology and sharing his expertise with others.

John had a love of nature that endured all of his life. He enjoyed fly-fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, archery and photography of nature. He enjoyed camping with his family, both as a child and as an adult. John also loved woodworking, both refinishing and designing wood craft projects. His most recent project was completing training for his dog, Tucker, to be a Canine Good Citizen and certified Therapy Dog. Throughout his lifetime John was deeply committed to his family and his faith. He loved being a part of their Life Group Bible study and working on various service projects.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Clara, and their four children. His daughter, Leslie (Michael) Ross, his son, John (Michelle) Recknagel, his daughter, Amy (Steve) Godfrey and his son, Matthew (Jennifer) Recknagel. His grandchildren are Jonathan (Natasha), Gavin, Samantha, Emerson, Charlotte, Gibson, Henry and great-grandchildren Liam, Landon and Brooklyn.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at First Free Evangelical Church, 2223 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61107. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, the service will be held at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Salvation Army, Rockford Rescue Mission or Rock House Kids.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:4 KJV