Darrell E. Kolthoff Sr.

Darrell Eugene Kolthoff Sr., 74, of Rockford, passed away on October 31, 2023. He was born on June 6, 1949, the son of William E. and Norma J. (Hybarger) Kolthoff. He married Nancy Rossato on September 7, 1968, in Rockford. Darrell worked many jobs, including the Rockford Register Star, a realtor, and driving for UPS for 26 years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. He was a second degree blackbelt in karate and a fan of the infamous Chicago Bears. He enjoyed fishing, going to Disney World, car rides to see the fall colors in Galena, and was known the “treat man” when it came to dogs. He was a loving, loyal, and giving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Darrell is survived by those who loved him most, wife of 55 years, Nancy; children, Darrell Jr. (Karen), David, Sheila (Blake) Heidenreich, and Melissa (Scott) Hillman; grandchildren, James (Danielle) Heidenreich, Kassandra (Matt) Ilgen, Alexander (Kim) Kolthoff, Marilyn Hillman, Alison Hillman, and Danielle Hillman; 1 great granddaughter, Virginia Ilgen; sister, Linda Michaelson; father-in-law, John Rossato Sr.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents; stepfather, James Marshall; brother, Mark Kolthoff; sister-in-law, Debbie Bambino, and his grandparents.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Swedish American Hospital, especially the family at the Cath Lab, Northern Illinois Hospice, and Aunt Rose and Uncle Don for many wonderful years on the farm.

A Funeral Service will be on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Avenue Rockford 61103, with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. A night before visitation will be on Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Rockton Chapel. Burial will be in Willwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.