Tom J. Stevens

Tom J. Stevens, 87, Rockford passed away August 5, 2014 in Highview in the Woodlands. He was born December 11, 1926 in Chicago to Angeline and John Stevens. The family moved to Rockford in 1931 to the farm where Tom spent the rest of his life working and learning to improve his skills as a farmer. He met his wife Clara and together they had a family of four children all the while going to meetings and classes to gain knowledge of raising crops and livestock. Tom and his wife enjoyed their life together greatly, going on many trips, enjoying fairs, farm shows, bowling and spending much time at Northwest Volunteer Fire Department. Tom was one of the original members helping build the original building. Together they also enjoyed working on bingo, going to many training meetings, plays and sporting events. Tom and his farmer friends enjoyed going to farm sales. As he aged, Tom was always easy to find enjoying the view from his back porch. After some health issues, Tom spent his last days at Highview in the Woodlands where the staff took very good care of him until his final day, August 5, 2014. The family would also like to thank the staff at Highview in the Woodlands and Hospice Care of America for their help and support in caring for our father. Tom is survived by his 4 children, daughter, Chris (Bob) Stoll of Machesney Park; sons, John (Coy) Stevens and Mike (Lorrie) Stevens of Rockford and Dan (Diane Lindquist) Stevens of Roscoe; 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday, August 8, 2014, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. Private family burial Saturday at Owen Center Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Highview in the Woodlands, 1000 Falcon Point Pl., Rockton, IL 61072 or Hospice Care of America, 3815 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61114