Obituaries

Samuel Michael Massetti

Samuel Michael Massetti

Oct 13, 2025

Samuel "Sammy" Michael Massetti, age 51, passed away surrounded by loved ones after a strong-willed battle with illness. Born on May 18, 1974, in Rockford, Illinois, Sammy lived life on his own terms-full of laughter, music, and good times with family and friends. A proud Harlem High School graduate of the Class of 1993, Sammy was also a member of...

Diana Corkovic

Diana Corkovic

Oct 12, 2025

Diana Ćorković, 69, of Rockford, passed away on October 12, 2025.Born May 3, 1956, in Donji Vakuf, Bosnia and Herzegovina, she was the daughter of Lavoslav and Milica (Šakić) Jurišić. Diana earned her Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Banja Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She was united in marriage to Jozo Ćorković in 2003. Diana was...

Maria Mendia

Maria Mendia

Oct 10, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Maria Mendia, 72, a beloved mother, grandmother, passionate advocate, and devoted educator, who left us peacefully on October 10, 2025. Maria was born March 5, 1953, in Wellington, Kansas, to Gregorio Lopez Mendia and Jeronima (Martin) Mendia, and lived a vibrant life marked with joy, adventure, dedication, and love...

Silvio "John" J. Massetti

Silvio "John" J. Massetti

Oct 2, 2025

Silvio "John" J. Massetti, 94, of Rockford, passed away on October 2, 2025. Born July 22, 1931, in Rockford, he was the son of Emiliano and Maddalena (DeLuca) Massetti. A graduate of West High School, class of 1949, John began barbering at a young age. When he enlisted in the United States Navy, he expected to leave the scissors behind-but...

John Robert Spradlin

John Robert Spradlin

Sep 23, 2025

John Robert Spradlin, 77, of Loves Park, passed away on September 23, 2025. Born March 28, 1948, in Belcher, Kentucky, he was the son of Thomas and Odessa (Smith) Spradlin. John proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, an honor and commitment he carried with him throughout his life. His time in the Marines shaped his character,...

Gary Howard Craig

Gary Howard Craig

Sep 21, 2025

Gary Howard Craig, 79, of Rockford, passed away on September 21, 2025. Born June 29, 1946, in Rockford, Gary graduated from West High School, class of 1964. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force before beginning his career as a member of the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union, Local 23. Gary was a lifelong sports fan...

Dorothy L. Snuggs

Dorothy L. Snuggs

Sep 19, 2025

Dorothy Louise Snuggs, 101, of Machesney Park, passed away on September 19, 2025, after a life rich with love, faith, and family. Born July 11, 1924, in Toledo, Ohio, she was the daughter of Robert and Anna (Richard) Burdett. Dorothy graduated from Waite High School in 1942 and went on to live through more than a century of remarkable change...

Mark Masterson

Mark Masterson

Sep 16, 2025

Mark Robert Eugene Masterson, 58, of South Beloit, passed away on September 16, 2025. Born August 18, 1967, in Belvidere he was the son of Lewis and Connie (Holt) Masterson Sr. Mark graduated from Hononegah High School 1985 and went on to build a career with Frontier Communications as an Equipment Installer. Mark had a big heart and a warm...

Gus C. Winterland

Gus C. Winterland

Sep 10, 2025

Gus C. Winterland, 59, formerly of Monroe Center, IL passed away on September 10, 2025 after a brief, sudden illness. He was born on November 11, 1965 to Paul and Suzanne Winterland. From a young age, Gus was full of energy and determination. He played Jr. Tackle, wrestled, and later took the field in football and rugby. He graduated from...

Betty Berkowski

Betty Berkowski

Sep 2, 2025

Betty Berkowski, 57, of Rockford, passed away on September 2, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born August 27, 1967, in Sycamore, Daughter of Andrew Jackson and Myrtle (Simmons) Dunn. Betty graduated from Jefferson High School, class of 1985, and went on to attend Rock Valley College. She worked at Woodward as a deburring operator and later at...

Ken Chartrau

Ken Chartrau

Aug 4, 2025

Kenneth Scott Chartrau, 49, of Machesney Park; died on August 4,2025. Born August 20, 1975 in Rochelle; son of Ronald P. and Linda (Diesel) Chartrau. Graduate of Rochelle High School, class of 1993. Early in his career, he worked as an Audio Visual Technician, installing sound systems and other equipment. He was also employed as an Electrician in Minneapolis; when...

Pamela L. Jameson

Pamela L. Jameson

Aug 1, 2025

Pamela Lorice Jameson, 66, of Loves Park, passed away on August 1, 2025. Born February 5, 1959, in Rockford, she was the daughter of Maxwell and Pauline (Higgins) Ward. Pam graduated from Auburn High School in 1977, where she also took part in nursing classes that led to early work at Rockford Memorial Hospital on the dialysis floor. Pam later...

Peggy Jeanette Craig

Peggy Jeanette Craig

Jul 28, 2025

Peggy Jeannette Craig, 77, of Rockford, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on September 18, 1947, in Rockford, Peggy was the cherished daughter of Charles "Les" and Beryl (Gustafson) Spielman. A proud graduate of West High School, Class of 1965, Peggy dedicated her life to caring for others. She spent more than three...

Pastor Wayne Ahrens

Pastor Wayne Ahrens

Jul 18, 2025

Pastor Wayne Ahrens, 68, of Rockford, was welcomed into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 18, 2025. Born April 10, 1957, he was the son of Norman and Bonita (Walts) Ahrens. Wayne graduated from high school and later pursued his calling into ministry by studying theology at Bethany Union Church in Chicago, where he was ordained....

Kathie Lynn Gamlin

Kathie Lynn Gamlin

Jul 15, 2025

Kathie Lynn Gamlin, 70, of Rockford-formerly of Belvidere-passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on November 21, 1954, in Belvidere, she was the cherished daughter of James and Barbara (Anderson) Ohlsen. Kathie was a proud graduate of Belvidere High School, Class of 1972, and went on to earn her nursing degree from...

Donna Jean Belknap

Donna Jean Belknap

Jul 6, 2025

Donna Jean Belknap, 93, of Rockford, formerly of Haines City, FL, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born May 25, 1932, in Janesville, WI, Donna was the cherished daughter of Walter and Margaret (Beyer) Utzig. From a young age, Donna had a heart for helping others. She followed her calling into nursing,...

Wesley Ross Larson

Wesley Ross Larson

Jul 5, 2025

Wesley Ross Larson, age 94, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025 in Rockford, Illinois, with family members by his side. Born in Madison, Wisconsin on January 10, 1931 to Stanley and Helen Larson. Wesley graduated from Madison West High School, attended Wisconsin Electronics School and served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He married Lois...

James Frederick Box, Sr.

James Frederick Box, Sr.

Jun 20, 2025

James Frederick Box, Sr., "Fat Man", 69, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025 in Amberwood Care Center. He was born on April 21, 1956 in Rockford, IL to Eurl Sims and Ruby Lee Box. James served in the United States Marines from 1973 until 1975. He married Loden Box on April 5, 1974. They were married for 15 years....

David A. Lapour

David A. Lapour

Jun 14, 2025

David Anthony Lapour, 56, of Rockford, passed away on June 14, 2025. Born on July 30, 1968, in Rockford, he was the beloved son of Robert and Bonita (Stuen) Lapour. A graduate of Rockford East High School, Class of 1986, Dave went on to become a dedicated member of IBEW Local 364. He was united in marriage to the love...

Kevin J. Barbour

Kevin J. Barbour

Jun 8, 2025

Kevin Joseph Barbour, 70, of Rockford, passed away on June 8, 2025. Born on June 3, 1955, in Kansas City, Kansas, Kevin was the beloved son of Robert Barbour and Joan (Stubblefield) Barbour. Kevin was an Educator who dedicated his life to serving students in Chicago Public Schools. He chose to spend his career working in inner-city schools, driven by...