Roger K. Becknell

Roger Keith Becknell, 75, of Rockford, IL died January 3, 2021 in his home. Roger was born August 18, 1945 in Rockford, where he was a life-long resident. He was a graduate of Rockford West High School and went on to graduate from Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University. A veteran of the United States Navy, he served aboard the USS Shangri-La aircraft carrier 1964 – 1966. Roger married the love of his life, Lyn, June 9, 1978. Together they started Abbott Plastics in 1980. Roger and Lyn actively supported Rockford philanthropies: Roger was a tutor at the Rockford Area Literacy Council and a member of the Rosecrance Health Network Board of Directors. He also served on the board of directors of ARC and the Try Beta Foundation. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.
Roger is survived by his wife, Lyn; daughter, Shelley Lyn Becknell of Seattle, WA; son, Brock Alan (Chris) Becknell of Random Lake, WI; and two grandchildren, Eric and Teá Graf of WI; brother, Doug (Christie) Becknell of Sterling, IL. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert W and Florence Lyford Becknell and brother, Robert. He was an avid Bears fan and loved to travel with Lyn, whether on road trips or cruises. Roger will be greatly missed by his family, friends, long-time employees and his cats, Luna and Misha. A special thanks to Teá for taking such great care of her grandfather at the end.
A walk-through visitation with the family will be held Saturday, January 9, 2021, 10:00 – 12:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road. Masks and social distancing are required. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that donations be made to Try Beta Foundation, 1301 Red Oak Lane, Rockford, IL 61107 or Grace United Methodist Church, 3555 McFarland Road, Rockford, IL 61114. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.