Joseph John Mercaitis Jr. 75, of Rockford died on December 19, 2017. Born June 3, 1942 in Rockford, son of Joseph and Mae (Nordstrom) Mercaitis Sr. United in marriage to Michele Lage on June 2, 1962. Formerly employed at Sunbeam Bakery and Durst, where he repaired machines. He was an avid HAM Radio operator. Survived by his wife, Michele; children, Nancy Peterson, Richard (Jody) Mercaitis, Christine Fedie, Nicholas Mercaitis, Joseph Mercaitis, all of Rockford, Andrew (Nancy) Mercaitis of Stillman Valley; grandchildren, Joshua (Kelly) Peterson of Marietta, GA, Jessica Peterson of Atlanta, GA, Jake (Patricia) Fedie of Roscoe, Rachel (Justin) Berry of Davis Junction, Nicholas Marsh, Brooke Dodson, Brittany Mercaitis, Jazmine Mercaitis, Tiffany Mercaitis all of Rockford, Rylee Mercaitis, Jenna Mercaitis both of Stillman Valley, Brittnie Johnson-Brugman of Rockford; great-grandchildren, Jadyn, Landon, Ava, Mason, Nicholas, Gemma, Lydia, Logan, Keyleah, Sophieah and Alex; special sister, Connie Williams of Rockford; brother, Michael (Cindy) Mercaitis of Rockford; nephews, Mike Williams and Jeff Williams both of Hayward, WI; and special friends, Jerry Copp and Jim Goble both of Rockford. Preceded in death by his parents. Joseph's family is grateful to the nurses and aides from Mercy Home Care, especially Kelly and Stephanie. Celebration of Life/Open House on January 7, 2018 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the family home, 4727 Marble Manor, Rockford, 61102. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family. Memorials may be made to the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com