Thomas "Tom" L. Schingoethe

Thomas (Tom) L. Schingoethe, 74, of Rockford died on November 7, 2021.

He was born on July 23, 1947 to John and Helen Schingoethe in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Tom, along with his two brothers David and Richard, were raised on a dairy farm and early on learned the value of hard work. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science from Western Illinois University in 1970 and would later receive his Masters of Business Administration from Rockford College in 1986.

He served in the US Army Reserve for six years. On May 29, 1971, he married his beloved wife, Mary Kay Mohr, and they began their great adventure together that lasted for more than fifty years. In 1975, they became proud parents when their first daughter Katheleen was born and the arrival of Pamela in 1981 completed their family. Their hearts abounded with love in recent years with the additions of their grandchildren Josie, Rylan, Landon, Allie, and son in law Marc.

Tom worked for the University of Illinois Extension for 40 years overseeing among other things the 4-H program in Winnebago, County. He was happiest during county fair time (depending on the day and who was complaining). But he honestly loved that time with the 4-H kids and families celebrating their annual achievements.

He completed his career as Associate Regional Director for the Illinois Northwest Region.
Those who knew him well know that he spent countless enjoyable hours in his garden harvesting his vegetables, forever a farmer at heart. Enjoying evenings with Mary Kay on their backyard deck planning their next adventure was another favorite activity.

But his love for his wife, children, and grandchildren are what gave him his spark, made him chuckle, and put a smile on his face each and every day.

He is survived in life by his wife Mary Kay; daughters Katheleen Ehrhart, Pamela (Marc) Bloch; his grandchildren Josie and Rylan, Landon Thomas and Allie; Tom’s brothers David (Darlene) Schingoethe and Richard Schingoethe; his sisters in law Sharon Schingoethe, Alexis (Robert) Jack and Jennifer Carlson; brother in law William Mohr, numerous nieces, and nephews, beloved friends and a special mention to Jeff Ehrhart. He is predeceased by his parents John and Helen, his in-laws William and Mary Mohr, brother in law Donny Carlson, sister in law Barbara Johnson as well as several “damn dogs.”


A memorial visitation will take place on Friday, November 12, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61107. If unable to attend the memorial service, below a link is listed to view virtually. In lieu of flowers, support may be offered to a 4-H leadership award that is being set up in his name by sending your support to Winnebago County 4-H, 1040 North Second Street, Rockford, IL 61107, with the name Tom Schingoethe Memorial in the memo. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com

The link to view the memorial service virtually is: https://youtu.be/wDpKkdL3uHU