Brian Joseph Lyons

Brian Joseph Lyons, 62, of Rockford, passed peacefully with his family by his side on October 5, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Brian was born to Kevin and Palma Lyons on July 23, 1961 and was raised on a dairy farm in Granville, Illinois which sparked his deep love of registered Holsteins. A 1979 graduate of Putnam County High School, he was a member of the 1978 Putnam County baseball team, which was inducted into the Putnam County High School Hall of Fame in 2015. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1983, where he was a member of the dairy judging team and Illini Dairy Club. Brian worked in agricultural and commercial lending for 40 years with Farm Credit, First National Bank and Trust Company, German American State Bank, and Midland States Bank.

Brian was a lifelong dairy cattle enthusiast and a big fan of University of Illinois Fighting Illini basketball, the Chicago Bears, and the Chicago Cubs. He always saw a friend or a customer any where he went; and if he did not, he could strike up a conversation with anyone. Brian will be remembered for his friendly smile, bright blue eyes, great laugh, storytelling ability, and 5-word limit “karaoke” skills. He was proud to be involved in community organizations such as Winnebago County 4-H, Illinois Holstein Association, Winnebago-Boone County Farm Bureau, Winnebago Lions Club, Winnebago Foundation for Educational Excellence, Rockford Area Illini Club and many more. His passion and leadership in his local community was only followed by his deep devotion to his family and friends.

Brian is survived by his loving wife of almost 38 years and best friend, Lori; four children: Erin (Jonathan) Carter, Emily, Haley, and Matt Lyons; two granddaughters: Grace and Claire Carter; parents, Kevin and Palma Lyons; five siblings: Chris (Shalene) Lyons, Vicki (Larry) Petersen, Dan (Kelly) Lyons, Stephanie (Bill) Bodine, and Sean (Jill) Lyons; as well as many wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Private family services will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Special thanks to Brian’s care team of doctors and nurses at UW Health Swedish American.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the many local organizations Brian was involved in: Winnebago County 4-H Showboard, Winnebago Foundation for Educational Excellence or Winnebago Lions Club.