John V. Norwood

John V. Norwood, 79, of Loves Park, IL passed away Thursday, September 23, 2021 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 4, 1942 in Elmhurst, IL the son of Kenneth and Jessie (Veech) Norwood. John attended Stronghurst High School graduating in 1960. He went on to obtain his Bachelor’s in Education from Western Illinois University. John taught at various schools including Harlem High School and coached football, basketball and golf. He founded Interstate Graphics, Inc. in 1985 and was incredibly proud to have his two sons working with him and carrying on his legacy. John continued working right up to the end. John loved to socialize and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He was a longtime member of the Lombardi Club and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. John will be missed and remembered as a loving father, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.
Left to cherish his memory are his sons, John (Justine Whitehouse) Norwood and Jim (Becky) Norwood, grandchildren, Taylor (Isaac) Wegner, Sage Norwood, Adam Norwood and Ryley Norwood; sister, Nancy (Kendall) Knustrom; niece, Lori (Jim) Derk; nephew, Mike Knutstrom; many cousins and special friends. Predeceased by his parents, Kenneth and Jessie. The family would like to thank Dr. Maeza and the staff of Swedish American Regional Cancer Center, Serenity Hospice & Home and his special caregivers, Akua, Olesia and Linda, for their care and compassion.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 1, 2021 from 4:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Masks are required. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Central Christian Church, 6595 Guilford Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. Burial in Stronghurst Cemetery (Strongurst, IL) on October 6th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice, 1658 IL-2, Oregon, IL 61061 or a charity of your choice.