Jean Niesman

Jean Niesman, 82, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on January 4, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin after a complication from surgery. She was born on August 4, 1943, in Elmhurst, Illinois daughter to Norman and Betty (Grant) Pohley. Jean spent her working career as an assistant mortgage officer and later enjoyed volunteering with the Rockford Park District. In her personal life, Jean adored cats and finches, collecting glass slippers, and Bob’s Burgers. She will be missed for her warm sense of humor and remembered as someone who brought joy to all that had the privilege of knowing her.

She will be missed by those who loved her most, her children Roger, Mark, Kurt, and Jenny; her grandchildren Tabitha (Gage) Firman, Morgan Turner, Andrew Turner, and their mother Sandy Morgan; sisters Nora (Howard) Young, Noreen (John) Cacciapaglio, Noralee Nelsen, Norita Pohley, Karen Pohley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Norman and Betty Pohley; brother Norman Pohley Jr.; sisters Norma Sue (Marvin) Leatherman and Laura (Dean) Bradford.

A time to gather and honor Jean’s life will take place on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, Illinois, 61103. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary,  https://www.noahsarkanimals.org. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com