STILLMAN VALLEY – John W. Cox, age 84, died Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford following a sudden illness. He was born August 4, 1935 on the family farm in Stillman Valley.
He graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1953. He married Sandra M. Rotello on July 2, 1955 in Rockford. John farmed all his life in the Stillman Valley area. He also owned and operated his own Real Estate business called Stillman Valley Home and Farm for over 40 years. He was a lifelong member of the Congregational Christian Church in Stillman Valley. John was an avid Stillman Valley Cardinal and Iowa Hawkeye fan. He was always there to support his grandsons with their sports. John loved farming with his son and grandson. He fulfilled a lifelong dream when he restored his grandfather’s round barn on Cox Road near Stillman Valley.
John was predeceased by his parents Joe and Agnes Cox and 2 brothers Clifton and Virgil Cox.
He is survived by his wife Sandra, children; John Cox, Jana Cox, Jeff (Lori) Cox all of Stillman Valley, sister LaVon Willey of Oregon, 3 grandsons Alex Cox, Adam Cox, and Jeff Cialkowski and several nieces and nephews.
Private funeral service will be held at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home in Stillman Valley with the Rev. Eric Tonjes pastor of the Kishwaukee Community Evangelical Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be at the Stillman Valley Cemetery. A memorial fund is established in John’s name for the Rockford Rescue Mission, the Stillman Valley Fire Protection District or the charity or Church of the donor’s choice. Visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to leave a memory or condolence.
