John J. Rochford

John Joseph Rochford, 79, of Galesburg, passed away at 4:36 a.m. Friday, November 7, 2025 at Seminary Manor.

He was born October 20, 1946 in West Union, Iowa, the son of James Francis and Josephine Marie (Exman) Rochford. John married Bonnie Dee Nielsen on June 5, 1993 in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on May 31, 2017.

Left to cherish his memory is one daughter, Rachel (Benjamin) Bergren of Las Vegas, Nevada; three step-daughters: Connie (Howard) Sprenger of Woodbury, Minnesota, Katherine (Mark) VanWinkle of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Lynn Reckman of Galesburg; seven grandchildren: Tara, Renee, Brandi, Vincent, Jason, Molly and Max; two great grandsons, Anthony and Kyrie; and two great great grandsons, Xavier and Hakeem.

John is survived by his three sisters, Jean Kacick of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Mary Berg of New Hampton, Iowa; and Nina (Duane) Schellhorn of Fredericksburg, Iowa, and by seven brothers: Patrick (Deb) Rochford, Maynard, Iowa; William Rochford, Sumner, Iowa; James (Phyllis) of Rock, Kansas; Mark (Lori) Rochford, Central City, Iowa; Thomas (Kathy) Rochford, Fredericksburg, Iowa; Daniel (Connie) Rochford, Westgate, Iowa; and Joseph (Pamela) Rochford of Sumner, Iowa, as well as his brother-in-law, Gary Molid of Manito, Illinois and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; his parents James and Josephine; sister Cecelia Molid; brother Timothy; sister-in-law Rhonda Rochford; brothers-in-law Robert Kacick, Timm Berg, and several nephews and a niece.

Throughout his life, John was a true jack of all trades. He spent many years as an ironworker, later worked for Waste Management, and was always ready to lend a hand with family farming in Iowa. Even after most would have retired, John never slowed down; he found purpose and peace in keeping busy, especially caring for the grounds at Hayden Creek Ranch in Avon, Illinois, where he could often be found riding his mower and taking pride in a job well done.Outside of work, John found joy in the outdoors. He loved fishing and hunting deer and ducks, and he enjoyed spending time on the golf course. A loyal Cubs and Green Bay Packers fan, John appreciated the simple things in life, a good ribeye and a cold Budweiser could always make his day. Above all, he cherished time with his great-grandchildren and the feeling was mutual.

Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Visitation will follow from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Galesburg. Father Jeffrey Stirniman will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate John’s life at Cactus Country in Galesburg immediately following the burial.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.