John F. Miller

John F. Miller, 78, of Rockford, passed away at home on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. He was born in Princeton, IL, on February 1st of 1947 to Harris and Kathryn (Castle) Miller. He was a 1965 graduate of Stillman Valley High School where he excelled in Football receiving coaches’ awards of All Conference Tackle and MVP in his Senior year. After graduating from Technical School in Milwaukee John served in the Army in Germany. John earned money by being a Technician at AT&T and by farming but his true calling on this earth was being a friend to all. His family recalls a plethora of fond memories and instances of his generosity. A thoughtful man, John did his best to help everyone that he could in need. Family vacations were a favorite, making memories in California, Florida and at family reunions at Lake Ripley. He loved his family and made sure that they knew it, “hugs were like a vitamin to him”. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, snow skiing, table tennis and most of all, mowing the grass.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 47 years, Judy; children, Stephanie Mendoza, Matthew (Denise) Miller, Brittany Daniels, Kathryn Slater (Erik Wenzel-Myles); grandchildren, Cameron, Lauren (Tim), Abraham, Nash, Isaac, Cyrus; great-grandchildren, Maddox, Kinnick, McCartney; brother, Howard J. Miller; and sister, Harriet Kisamore. He is predeceased by his parents.

A celebration of John’s life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14th, 2025, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. A visitation will be held one hour prior to service time. Deacon Cheryl Erdmann officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an organization of your choice. To send your condolences online and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.