John Douglas Schissel

John Douglas Schissel, age 80, passed away Sunday April 27th. He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on August 18, 1944 to Ralph N. and Martina L. Schissel. John attended St. Patick’s Catholic School in Cedar Rapids and graduated in 1962. He then attended Loras College and graduated in 1966. He was drafted in to the US Army, volunteered for Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an artillery officer in June 1967 and was assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Four days after commissioning, John and Delilah were married, honeymooned and traveled to Fort Polk to begin married life. Dee was the absolute love of his life and they enjoyed an amazing life together that spanned 62 years. They were blessed with sons Scott A. (Valerie E.), Michael D. (Jaynee N.) and daughter Lisa A. (Eric D. Honkamp). He was also blessed with six grandchildren: Andrew J. Schissel, Luke A. Schissel, Lauren E. Honkamp, Alexandra C. Honkamp, McKinnon J. Schissel and Devyn M. Schissel. He is survived by his two brothers Dennis and Peter Schissel and sister Kathleen Green.

John was a founding partner of The Pension Service Company which provided technical and financial management to local companies. Pension Service Company merged with McGladreyaccounting firm and he retired in 2001 at the age of 57. Shortly after retirement he worked for Savant Financial and retired with them in 2009.

John was a service minded man and worked for many organizations as a volunteer. He served on The Boylan Catholic Executive Board for 15 years, Board member of Rock River Valley Pantry for 23 years, Rockford Cosmopolitan Club since 1977 and held every elective office. He served on the Crusader Health Clinic Diabetes Liaison Board for 25 years and was an active volunteer and leader of the many organizations his children were active in. He said it was “Fun Stuff.”

He joined St. Bernadette Catholic Church when he and Dee settled in Rockford Illinois in 1969. He was a Board Member for the church and the school, and chaired the Stewardship Committee for more than 15 years. He was a 3RD Degree Knight of Columbus.

John and Dee traveled extensively when their children were younger, many times camping. He took his entire family to a vacation destination every other year and took great joy in spending as much time together as possible, especially with his grandkids. John and Dee traveled to all 50 states and to several foreign countries but his favorite getaway was to their Galena home. He took so much joy in sharing this happy place with extended family and friends.

John was deeply rooted in his Catholic faith and loved his country. He has always been a proud veteran and contacted his military friends every year to thank them for their service. This was one of his most rewarding projects and it brought tears to his eyes. He was loved by many and mentored many people over the years, always willing to give advice or lend a helping hand to others.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Rock River Valley Food Pantry.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m Monday, May 5th, 2025 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Rockford, IL 61103. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave. Rockford, IL 61103. Burial will conclude in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.