John E. Cofer

John E. Cofer, Jr., 70, of Rockford, passed into the presence of his Savior on September 20, 2017. He was born on April 2, 1947, in Joliet, IL, the son of John E. & Frances (Carter) Cofer, Sr. He graduated from Plainfield High School, class of 1965. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Blackburn College (1969) and a Masters of Education from Illinois State University. He and Della Frazier were married in Joliet, IL, on August 15, 1970. He taught math at public and Christian high schools in Maryland, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois, as well as at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL. He was a member of North Love Baptist Church in Rockford.
He enjoyed singing, playing the tuba, and cheering on his beloved World Series champion (finally!) Chicago Cubs. His life legacy is most often attached to his love of teaching mathematics. Many of his former students are quick to say that “math is fun!” He stayed active by walking, swimming, and keeping up with his 11 grandsons and 5 granddaughters.
John rested his hope of eternal life in the work of Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord and continually gave God the credit for anything good seen in his life. John also dearly loved his wife Della, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his four children: John III (Beth) Cofer, Becky (James) Gruber, Betsy (Tom) Luttmann, David (Mary) Cofer, 16 grandchildren, and his brother, Frank (Cathy) Cofer.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until noon on Monday, September 25, 2017, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford. The funeral service will begin at noon at the same location. Burial will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26, at Valhalla Memorial Park, 2308 W Delmar Ave, Godfrey, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Bible Visuals International at PO Box 153, Akron, PA 17501.
Arrangement by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61108. Send online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfuneralhome.com