STILLMAN VALLEY – John A. Dotzel, age 85, died Monday, July 6, 2020 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford. He was born Feb. 10, 1935 in Galena, the son of Anton and Nellie (Peters) Dotzel.
John graduated from Galena High School in 1953, he than graduated from the University of Dubuque with a Bachelor’s in Education and obtained his Master’s Degree in Administration from the University of Illinois. John married Carol Petitgoue on Aug. 22, 1959 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Galena. They moved to Stillman Valley in 1970. John taught Social Studies for 10 years, he then went to work for the Illinois Department of Public Aid for 31 years. After retirement John worked for 14 years at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.
He was an active member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Byron where he and his wife Carol sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. John was 51 year member of the Stillman Valley Lion’s Club where he served in many offices including President and Rose Day Chairman for 25 years. John also served his community on the Planning Commission, The Fall Festival Committee, Meridian School Board, the Friends of the Library, and was inducted into the Northwestern Illinois Football Hall of Fame. He was an avid sports fan of the Stillman Valley Cardinals, the White Sox, and the University of Illinois.
John was predeceased by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years Carol of Stillman Valley, son John (Theresa) Dotzel of Belvidere, daughter Ann Morrison of Thornville, Ohio, sister Jeannine Steinle of Galena, grandson Mason Morrison, 2 step grandchildren Rachel (Cesar) Arrellano and Olivia (Blake) Maurer, 5 great grandchildren; Bentley, Beau, Elena, Isaac, Anthony and many nieces and nephews.
A private Christian Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Byron, with the Rev. Richard A. Rosinski officiating. A walk through visitation was held Thursday evening from 4-7 p.m. at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 136 West Roosevelt Road in Stillman Valley. Please practice social distancing and where a mask to attend the visitation. Burial in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Byron. A memorial fund is established in John’s name for the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Stillman Valley Lion’s Club, and the Stillman Valley Fire Protection District. To leave a condolence or memory visit www.farrellhollandgale.com.
