John B. Northrop

John “JB” Bruce Northrop, 73, of Byron, IL was born on July 27, 1950 in Saint Marys, West Virginia. He passed away, one day after his birthday, on July 28, 2023. JB married Karen (Dietrich) Northrop in 1985 and they moved to Byron. They resided in the beautiful trees of Woodgate Ln, where JB spent years working in his shop and socializing with “The Boys.” JB could do many things, but he was best at ignoring his “honey-to-do list” and joining his friends. Whenever JB was present, fun was to be had.

Growing up, JB was a die-hard St. Marys Blue Devil, where he was an All-State football player. After graduating in 1968 he attended West Virginia Tech and years later Concordia University. Like many of his family members, JB started his career at Quaker State but then moved on to Westinghouse and eventually Chrysler, where he retired in 2015 as a skilled electrician.

Although he was loved by so many, JB’s heart belonged to his family. His love and dedication for his wife, children, and grandchildren was unmatched. When “Papa” walked in the room eyes would sparkle, smiles would beam, and giggles would fill the room. He was always ready for a drink and a good adventure, whether that was fishing, woodworking, trail riding on his UTV, or snowmobiling.

JB is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Karen; children, Amy, Heather, John, and Joslynn (Cody) Lindsey; grandchildren, Victoria, Jacob, Connor, Cohenn, Laine, Colton, and Locklan; great-grandchildren; siblings, Richard (Freda) Northrop, Robert (JoAnn) Northrop; brothers and sisters-in-law, Beverly (Terry) Olson, Randy Dietrich, Kris (Burns) Mullins, and Mark Dietrich; many nieces, nephews, and loving friends. JB was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Betty Northrop; and first wife, JoAnn (Becker) Northrop in 1983.

A celebration of life will take place Friday, August 4th, at 3:00pm, at SMSF Club (1010 Sandy Hollow Rd, Rockford). Please wear plaid, or buffalo plaid, and join us in reminiscing memories of JB’s life. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up under JB’s name at Holcomb Bank. Donations will be given to his favorite local club, Byron Sno-Blasters. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel assisted the family. Send condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.