Wesley James Nygren

Wesley James Nygren, age 81, of Rockford, passed away at home on December 26, 2023.

Wesley was born on August 8, 1942, in Chicago, the son of Merlin and Angela Nygren. On January 15, 2005, Wesley married Kathleen Ryan in Chicago. Wesley retired as a high school history teacher in Chicago. He was an avid reader, pool player, ice fisherman, and sailor.

Wesley is survived by his devoted, loving wife Kathleen Ryan; children, Margaret (Michael) Zupsich, Michael Nygren, Matthew (Christina Demakopoulos) Nygren, and Jeffrey (Meghan) Nygren; grandchildren, Dylan, Lake, Taylor, Tyler, Holly and Zach; brothers, Merlin (Millie) Nygren and Gregory (Bonnie) Nygren; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, best friend Ken Hedeen, and Ernie the cat. He is predeceased by his parents.

Kathleen would like to extend special thanks to Pat and John who journeyed with her, Dr. Mete Korkmaz and team at OSF, loving nurses at the cancer center and the OSF Hospice Team.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until time of a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Rockford, IL 61107. Private committal will be held at a later date in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago, IL.

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