John Paul Killion

John Paul Killion, 81, of Rockford, passed away on February 6, 2023. He was born on February 22, 1941, in Lincoln, IL, the son of William and Ruth (Mason) Killion. John served in the U.S. Army. He married Kathy Dehner on June 14, 1969, and she preceded him in death in 1989. John earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University and later earned his master’s degree in education from Northern Illinois University.

John began his career working for General Telephone Company. He then followed in his wife’s footsteps as a teacher for students with special needs. Their son Kris kept the tradition becoming a special education teacher. During his tenure he became the principal of Page Park. After retirement, John continued his career as a substitute principal and had a very good reputation throughout the district.

John was an avid Chicago Bears fan with season tickets since the eighty’s. He and Kris went to many games, and John even attended Superbowl 20. Kris has continued that legacy with John’s grandchildren. He had a passion for riding motorcycles, making the trip to Sturgis multiple times. John loved Friday nights at Capri with Kris’s godparents Dave and Ginger Rehnberg. His Grandsons became his greatest joy and he loved Friday night pizza nights at Kris and Sasha’s. Throughout his life John had an active social life and was well liked everywhere he went. His smile was contagious.

He is survived by his son, Kris (Sasha) Killion; grandsons, Knox and Paxton; brother, Joe Killion; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Killion; and cats, Cat and Poops. He is predeceased by his parents; wife, Kathy; and brother, Jerry.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Transitions Hospice and TLC Living Community.

A Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, February 26, 2023, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the Lombardi Club, 209 Olive Street Rockford 61107. The family requests no flowers be sent. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens next to his wife Kathy. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.