Rodney John Repka

Rodney J. Repka, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, July 6th, 2021. Rodney was born on February 3, 1938 in Rockford, Illinois, son to John Peter and Stella (Burba) Repka. Beloved husband to Carolyn Repka, as well as a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Rodney had an incredible sense of humor, was easy going, kind, and was always willing to help anyone who needed it. Rodney was known as a “great guy” to all that knew him and he will be greatly missed by all that loved him.

Rod owned and operated Breaktime Coffee Service for 40 years and later owned and operated Brewtech Coffee Service. He owned and operated Blend and Brew, the first whole bean coffee store in Rockford at Northtown Mall in the late 1970s.

In 1960, Rod joined the Wisconsin National Guard. He was stationed in Fort Lewis in the State of Washington from 1960-1962. Later in 1962 he was called to active duty for ten months due to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Very much the patriot, Rodney enjoyed and was proud of serving his country.

Rod and Carolyn were avid gardeners. For 20 years they planted flowers, trees, and worked together to make a beautiful garden with many floral and tree beds. They found much spiritual peace in gardening and enjoyed viewing the fruits of their labor.

Rod is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Repka, of which he wed on October 27, 1979; his children David (Elisabeth) Repka, Kimberly (Jonathan) Hamblett, Gregory Scott Repka (their mother Marjorie Repka), Scott Strum, Erin (Martin) Szykowny, and Amy (Brian) Gille; his grandchildren Anja, Hannah, Devin Repka, Mackenzie, Sydney, Coulson Hamblett, Joshua and Noah Gille, Tiffany (Kyle) Kroschel and Rebecca Dunn; his great grandchildren Kory, Kody, and Karter Kroschel. He was predeceased by his grandparents, parents John Peter and Stella Repka, his close cousin and best friend William Savitch, Jr., and cousin Donald Kotecki.

A Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108 with military honors to follow. A visitation will take place the day before, Saturday, July 24, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. A private family burial will take place at Scandinavian Cemetery in Rockford, Illinois. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com