Keri Lynn Chappell died October 17, 2026. She was born February 4, 1967 in Rockford, Illinois to Barrie Chappell (Larson). Keri spent her childhood in Sussex, Wisconsin, moving to Sycamore, Illinois in 1982. She graduated from Sycamore High School in 1985.

Keri married Tony Gilkerson in 1990 in Sycamore. They lovingly shared two children. Their marriage ended in 2012.

Keri was very creative and excelled in the arts, including painting, sculpting and jewelry making. As a child, her creativity came through by organizing penny carnivals and writing and directing plays with the children who lived in her neighborhood. As an adult, she studied floral arranging and enjoyed culinary arts, creating elaborate meals for her friends and family. Keri also had a passion for music and attended countless concerts and live music events.

Keri had a giving heart. As a child, she would collect donations through her penny carnivals and by going door to door collecting change for the Muscular Dystrophy Association year after year. As an adult, she had an open- door policy and welcomed anyone needing support. She forged easy friendships with the people she met which left lasting impressions. Keri’s kind heart extended beyond human friendships to an unmatched love of animals. It started with pet mice and guinea pigs and extended to parrots, dogs, cats, chinchillas, ferrets…

Keri was known for her “irreverent” sense of humor, infectious laugh, her sense of style. She didn’t care if it was “in style”, she was authentically herself. She loved to create unique and personal nicknames for all her family, friends and pets, no one was ever called by their given name.

Keri is survived by her children, Nichole Gilkerson (Nick Hiller) of Rockford, IL, Piper Gilkerson of Austin, Tx, grandchildren, Fiona and Grant Hiller, sister, Jodi Ziegler (Brian) (Oregon, Il), ex-husband, Tony Gilkerson (Rockford, Il). She was preceded in death by her mother and step-father, Barrie and Leon Larson.

As often seen in wildly creative souls, mental illness and addiction impacted Keri’s life. She was a fighter, and her strength was evident … We believe she would want memorials directed to help others facing similar battles. Please consider sending memorials to a local mental health, substance abuse or domestic violence support system or to a local animal shelter.

A future celebration of life is being planned. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. To share memories and condolences online, please visit, www.fitzgeraldfh.com