John R. Honzel

John Robert Honzel 1940-2024. of Rockford, IL passed away in his home on Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 with his loving family by his side. John’s aggressive cancer took him to be with the Lord and his family whom have already passed. John was born February 10, 1940, son of James L. and Lelah P. (White) Honzel in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. 

John grew up in Crawford County, Wisconsin. He married Rose Rita Finley on April 8, 1961 in Seneca, WI. As a teen, John helped his father run the meat locker in Seneca, WI. John graduated from Seneca High School in 1958. He was a machinist at Special Machine, Behr Manufacturing Co, Greenlee, Dial Machine, and EWT- REF. He retired in 2003 to care for Rose Rita in her 15 year battle with cancer. Member of Sinker Dunker Club at Greenlee Tool. Longtime coach for his kids in baseball, softball, and basketball at St. Rita’s. There were no fish that felt safe when dad had a fishing pole in his hand. He fished everywhere he went. He spent most of his time where he grew up and returned to several times a month with his family. This was in the Driftless area, Crawford County, Wisconsin. John especially loved taking his children and grandchildren fishing with him. He enjoyed anything to do with family, especially his beloved wife, Rose Rita. He gardened for vegetables and helped with flowers, especially when Rose Rita got sick and after she passed. He loved taking pictures and often had his camera in hand. Dad was a lifelong Green Bay Packer and Chicago Cubs fan. John and Rose were members at St Rita’s Catholic Church, Rockford Illinois since the 1960’s He will be missed by all, remembered every time we fish, every holiday, every cookout, and in every flower, sunset, body of water we see, and every minute of every day. 

Surviving relatives include 5 children, Rose (Dave) Weck of Asheville, NC, John (Kim Anderson) Honzel of Machesney Park, IL, Mary Struthers of Villa Park, IL, Richard (Robin DiNardo) Honzel of Wheaton, IL and Mark (Donna Burkey) Honzel of Rockford, IL; 8 grandchildren, Alexandra, Sarah, Zane, Heather, Emily, Miranda, Brooke, and Becca; sister, Babs (Al) Debes of Walker, MN. He is predeceased by his parents, his wife Rose Rita Honzel, and his brother Larry Honzel. 

Special thanks to all the staff at OSF Hospice who cared for John, most especially Brittany Cain, Chris (CNA), and Pastor Darren. Special thanks to Lindsay Pozzi, Vlad Yakavickavas, Simona Ivan, Fr. William Wintink, and friend and neighbor Amy Witt. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr, Rockford, Illinois 61109, with a visitation prior to Mass starting at 10:00 a.m. A night before visitation will be on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road Rockford, Illinois 61108. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to OSF Hospice. 

"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after." 

Henry David Thoreau