John E. Sohner

John E. Sohner, 84, of Rockford passed away Monday, July 24, 2017 in his home. Born October 22, 1932, the son of Edward and Kathleen (Cope) Sohner. John was a lifelong cattle and grain farmer. He married Jane Smith on July 1, 1960 at Christ United Methodist Church. John was a Pioneer Seed dealer for 26 years and an avid Farmall antique tractor collector, belonging to several northern Illinois collector clubs. He was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where he had served as a trustee, and also as a trustee for Owen township. John was a water ski team member of the original Rockford Water Ski Association and a huge supporter of his family's activities.
Lovingly survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane; children, Sue Sohner and Jim (Debbie) Sohner; grandchildren, Kaylee Libby, Clay, Reed, and Alexa Sohner; sisters, JoAnn Dill and Kay (Bill) Stanicek; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law Richard Dill.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4055 North Rockton Ave. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 North Rockton Ave. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John’s name to Mercy Health Hospice and Aldersgate United Methodist Church. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.