John W. Javurek

John W. Javurek, Sr., 94, Rockford, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 in River Bluff Nursing Home. Born February 23, 1928 in Sioux Falls, SD, son of Paul and Antonia Drbohlov Javurek. Married Frances B. Carbon in 1948. Now deceased. John was a long time business owner in Sioux Falls, S.D. where he owned a Texaco gas station for 17 years and was the owner of both the Concertina Tap and the Golden Pheasant Lounge for several years. He moved to Rockford IL, in 1966 where he was hired as a supervisor for National Lock for a short time, but decided to open the Plaza Texaco in February of 1967, and used his Concertina as collateral. Throughout all of this, he was involved in the music world playing his concertina. He played professionally, and knew over 500 songs by heart. John continued his love of music and playing the concertina throughout his life. He also owned Fairview Texaco and then Javurek’s Automotive from 1977 until 1986 and Plaza Texaco from 1967-1982. John was a social, friendly man who cared for his fellow residents and the staff at Riverbluff who cared for him. John liked to pass out Rollos to the residents and staff all the time, at River Bluff. John loved the sun, and was always outside in the courtyard feeding the birds, and working on his dark, “perfect” tan.

Survivors include his children, John W. (Eileen) Javurek, Jr., Kristine (Robert) Javurek, Timothy R (Peggy) Javurek and James L. (Beverly) Javurek .

Grand Children; Denita (John) Lynde, Gabe (Dorian) Javurek, Gina Marie (Kyle) Smith, Nikki Javurek (Benjamin Kjorlie), Theresa (Rozelle) Crawford, Cory (Christine) Javurek, Mary Javurek Lee, Mark (Marina) Javurek, Kyle Javurek, Rachael (Kyle) Lopez, Jarod Javurek, Josh (Stacey) Herrmann;

Great-grandchildren: Jenna, John Robert, Eric (Kelly), Evan, Brooke (Matt), Austin (Mary), Noelle, Timothy, Daniel, David, Sarah, Ayden, Avery, Chloe, Maverick, Glyn and Gideon;

Great-great grandchildren; Chloe and Claire.

Also survived by several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews, including his niece Judy Witkowski.

Predeceased by his parents, sister Anne, wife Frances and sons, Robert, and Paul.

John’s family would like to extend a special thank you to River Bluff Nursing Home and Northern Illinois Hospice for the outstanding loving care extended to John.

Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2022 in St. Bridget Catholic Church. Visitation from 9:30 a.m. until time of the Mass at the church. Entombment in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice, 4751 Harrison Ave. Rockford, IL 61108. Send condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.