John J. Rzeszotko

John J. Rzeszotko passed away peacefully at the age 88 on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, in Rockford, IL. Born on September 24, 1934 in Rockford, Illinois to John and Rose (Victor) Rzeszotko. John attended St. Thomas High School and enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was a veteran of the Korean conflict. John returned from Korea, graduated high school and became a butcher in the family-owned Seminary Meat Market. John started flying at the age of 21 and quickly earned his Commercial Pilot’s license at the age of 22. John’s first commercial job as a pilot was with Illini Airlines for one year. He then flew for Ozark Airlines for over 25 years and finished his flying career in 1994 with TWA as a wide body international captain. John was also a faithful choir member at St. James Catholic Church in Rockford, Illinois for over 50 years. John loved fishing, hunting and acting. John was an active member of the Magic Moments and Senior Follies in Rockford, Illinois for many years. John was not ready for mandatory retirement after his airline career. He continued his travels for many years as a bus driver for Van Galder Bus Company, worked as a ranger at the Mactown Golf Course and he finally retired after a second career from Logli Supermarket.

John is survived by his wife for over 64 years, Phyllis (Tarnowski) Rzeszotko, his two children and their spouses, Catherine M. (Ralph) Everson and Joseph A. (Karin) Rzeszotko, four grandchildren, Jonathan (Ana) Everson, Michael Everson, Katie and Rebecca Rzeszotko along with precious family and friends. John was predeceased by his father John and his mother Rose.

A visitation will take place on Monday 17th, October 2022 from 10:00 am until noon at St. James Church in the Beauvais Center at 428 N. Second St., Rockford, IL 61107. A Celebration of Life Mass will take place following the visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Catholic Church. To send online condolences or to share special memories, please visit www. Fitzgeraldfh.com