Jerel Evan Nofsinger

Jerel Evan Nofsinger, 59, residing in Creal Springs, IL died on May 31 in Wisconsin. Jerel was born March 28, 1948 in Richland Center, Wisconsin, the son of James Jensen and Eldon and Alice Nofsinger. Jerel was a graduate of Boylan High School. He was a disabled US Navy Veteran of Vietnam. He had owned and operated a small appliance repair business, was a self taught local artist and was active in the Rockford Area Art Community for over a decade. Jerel loved the outdoors, especially camping, fishing and hiking. Jerel is survived by his mother, Alice Nofsinger; his son, Eric (Bonnie) Nofsinger; his daughter, Rachel (Chris) Smith; his grandchildren, Paige Musser, Sean, Calvin and Jaxon Nofsinger and Brady and Kellan Smith; his sisters, Sam (Joel) Deutenhoeffer, Valerie (Bob) Ballard, Elaine Bowen and Kathy and Jodi Nofsinger; his brother, Scott Nofsinger, his former wife, Linda (Rainwater) Lynch and many nieces and nephews. Jerel was preceded in death by his father, James Jensen and his step-father Eldon Nofsinger. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday at 3:00 P.M. at the 317 Market Street Art Gallery in Rockford. Memorial visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rockford Area Arts Council, 713 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61104. Family and friends may extend their condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com