John E. Crull

John E. Crull, 90, of Rockford, died on Thursday July 20, 2023. Born July 29, 1932 in Rockford. Son of Enos and Alice May Crull, John spent his childhood living around the country from Mauston and Spooner, Wisconsin to Seattle, Washington and back to the Rockford area. Through that period, he attended many schools, making friends and acquiring skills along the way.

When John was 12, his mother and newborn sister died. Out of tragedy came a deep sense of independence and self-sufficiency that remained at his core for the rest of his long life. John had the ability to dream up a concept and take that project all the way to fruition. This gift led to many creations including an addition on his house using the timbers from an old Shell station where he worked as a young man.

An avid hunter, fisherman, and teller of tales, he enjoyed many trips out west as well as his yearly quest for that big Musky with the Worm Soakers group. John enjoyed the true sport of “shooting the bull” at the regular Thursday Morning Breakfast club. He was always available to show up with a truck full of tools for his many friends and family members and was known for his deep generosity. His most notable memories of time with family are of summer camping on the south shore of Devil’s Lake State Park and winter snowmobiling in the Northwoods out of Boulder Junction, Wisconsin.

He was owner of Certified Electric for more than 50 years and before that worked in the electrical, telephone service, mechanical and shoe industries. Graduate of East High School and a proud Navy Reservist, he was instrumental in founding the Boy Scouts program in Cherry Valley as well as the Tri-Con Youth Baseball League. John was a proud supporter of many local organizations including the Coon Creek Casters, Pheasants Forever and the Rockford Rescue Mission.

Survivors include Sons Todd (Cheri) and Timothy (Leah), Grandchildren Sarah (BJ) Shere, Jason Crull, Olivia Crull and Joshua Crull. Great Grandchildren Kayley, Georgia, and Noah Shere.

Special thanks to Jodi Mears and family for their loving care and to Northern Illinois Hospice for their service and support over this past month.

A Memorial Service will commence at 1:30PM on Saturday August 26th, 2023 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. Memorials may be made to Coon Creek Casters and the Rockford Rescue Mission.