Joel B. Ferguson

Joel B Ferguson, 76, of Rockford, IL, passed away on Tuesday, November 1. 2022. He was born on July 16, 1946, in New York City, NY, the son of Donald Adams and Virginia (Wilcox) Ferguson.

Joel was a graduate of Keith Country Day School in 1960, West High School Class of 1964, Rock Valley College in 1967 and earned a B.S. in Sociology and History from Rockford College in 1974. On January 24, 1970, he and the love of his life, Elaine Swayze, were united in marriage at the Fisher Chapel at Rockford College. Joel was a career employee of 37 and a half years of the State of Illinois Department of Human Services Family and Community Resource Center. He was a longtime member of the Blackhawk Bicycle and Ski Club, and served several terms as vice president, president and invitational ride co-chairman. He also served as a board member for the Youth Services Network and on the Advisory Committee for the Canine Corners Dog Parks of the Rockford Park District. Joel was a Certified Trampoline Judge and over the years explored many interests including bicycling and cross-country skiing, photography, model railroading, wine making, stained glass art and volleyball. During his life, JB owned and loved several Golden Retrievers, including Fergus currently.

Special thank you to the staff at Serenity Hospice, Nurse CJ, CNA Jen, Dr. Kalweit; Dr. Tiffanie Ferry and Tracy of UW Swedish American Home Healthcare.

Joel, is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elaine; daughter, Kerstin B. Ferguson; granddaughter, Bianka C. Franks; sisters, Dana (Peter) Uhrynowski and Cuyler (Ronnie) Augustino; brothers and sisters in law, Alan (Sharon) Swayze and Warren (Suzie) Swayze; sister-in-law, Kay McGregor; brother-in-law, Ronald Berg, and 11 nephews, 5 nieces and many great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, William McGregor and sister-in-law, Barbara Berg.

A Visitation/Celebration of Life will be take place on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL, 61108. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joel’s name may be made to Rockford University or Youth Services Network. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com