Memorials
The Class of 1974 remembers those we have lost over these last five decades. If you know of a classmate who has passed away who is not listed here, you can add a memorial with a photo and a link to an obituary by clicking the Create a Memorial button.
You can also write a tribute or leave your comments about those already listed on the page. (Approval may be required prior to publishing)
Phillip McCue
1956-05-19 1996-08-03Phillip Joseph McCue, 40 of Phoenix, died Aug 3,1996. He was born in Rockford, IL. Survivors include his wife, Debbie L; mother, Pauline; sister, Sherri Quisling; and brother Stephen. Services will be held in Illinois. Burial in Greenwood Cenetery, Rockford, IL.
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Ron Menzemer
1955-02-15 2021-07-10
Ronald P. (Ron) Menzemer 1955—2021
Ron Menzemer, 66 of Cumming, Georgia passed away Saturday, July 10, 2021. Born February 15, 1955, in Rockford, Illinois.
Ron enjoyed his years growing up in Rockford with family and friends, spending summers at Lake Geneva, and winters skiing at Majestic Hills. He graduated from Rockford Guilford High School in 1974 and went on to work for his family business, Blomquist Furniture Store through the early 1980's.
Ron was an active and devoted father, participating in anything and everything for his girls; their most special times all spent at Lake Geneva. He spent the majority of his career in office furniture sales, relocating with his f...
Tom Milani
1956-07-28 2008-07-18Thomas E. Milani Jr., 51, died peacefully at home at 10:35 a.m. Friday, July 18, 2008 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with M.S. Born July 28, 1956, in Rockford, the son of Thomas E. Milani Sr. and Carolyn (Scandroli) Milani. He was united in marriage with his best friend, Sharon Strom Aug. 17, 1985, in Rockford. Tom was a graduate of Guilford High School, class of 1974, Drake University and University of Iowa Law School. He proudly practiced law for 25 years. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, past president of the Young Republicans, and an Eagle Scout. Tom was a passionate Civil War re-enactor with Camp Fuller, and compiled and pub...
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Ross Milligan
1956-05-04 2010-02-21ROSS S. MILLIGAN, 53 ROCKFORD - Ross S. Milligan, 53, of Rockford entered into eternal life Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010. Born May 4, 1956, in Chicago, the son of Samuel R. and Irene (Gruze) Milligan. Graduated from Guilford High School, Class of 1974. Attended Western Illinois University. Retired member of Northwest Fire Protection District in Rockford. Former police officer with the Rockford Park District. Emergency room technician at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Ross had a passion for the fire service, even after an early retirement due to the complications of diabetes. He enjoyed traveling, collecting and trading fire memorabilia and patches with his two brother firefighters, Kent Hulett and Lan...
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Wayne Minehart
1956-02-20 2019-10-14
Wayne Walter Minehart passed away on October 14, 2019 with music in his ear and on his heart. Wayne was born on February 20, 1956 in Elgin, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary Ellen Minehart. Wayne is survived by his wife Karyn; his three children, Bailey, Trey and Kary; his son-in-law Jim; and his two siblings, Michelle Rouse and Randy Minehart. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association. Letters of condolences can be mailed to P.O Box 600264 Dallas, TX. 75360.
https://omaha.com/obits/minehart-wayne-walter/article_632ce644-c2e4-520e-9347-da3f4957c389.html
Patricia Murphy
2023-12-23
Daughter of Joan Marie (O’conner) Murphy (deceased) and James R. Murphy (living). Also survived by brother Michael Murphy Phd. (Janie) and long term boyfriend Jon Gardner.
Patricia had a strong drive to excel. She attended Guilford High School, Rockford, IL before moving to OH. After graduating from Gahanna Lincoln high school (1974); on her own, through hard work and perseverance she achieved multiple scholastic degrees.
B.S. Education from The Ohio State University - June 1978 and added French language accreditation June 1979.
Masters degree in Social work from The Ohio State University - June 1994.
Ohio teachers license and a licensed social worker
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John Nagus
1956-07-31 2022-06-15John Nagus, 65, of Cathedral City, California died Wednesday June 15 th . John's life was spent in the Arts from Summers at Oxbow, receiving his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Illinois and His Masters' in Fine Art at the University of Colorado in Boulder. John then went on to become Arts Director for the Cities of Seattle, Washington and Palm Desert, CA. John then went on to form and open the Gallery at El Paseo Square with his Business Partner Randall Erickson. He created his own new art works throughout his life. John was a very caring person who took great pride in his family and his work. John always had a flair for a welcoming and well decorated home. He will be greatly missed by...
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Blair Neff
1956-05-09 2022-07-26
Blair Allen Neff, 66, of Cherry Valley, IL passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.
Blair was born in Rockford, IL on May 9, 1956, son of LaVern Neff and Nancy (Cook) Neff. He graduated from Guilford High School, Class of 1974. Blair married Katherine M. Mancl on September 20, 1980, in Rockford. He worked as a pattern maker with N & S Pattern, a family-owned business for 48 years. Blair loved fishing, hunting, playing golf, watching NASCAR and he was a die-hard fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs. He also enjoyed many family trips to their home at Woodland Beach Resort in Lake Mills, WI and to Deerfield Beach in Florida. Most of all, Blair cherished his time spent with family and...
Nat Nelson
1955-10-04 2000-02-22A memorial service for Nat B Nelson 44, who died Feb 22, 2000 in Mesa, AZ, will at Tuesday May 9, in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Rockford. Nat was born Oct 4, 1955, in Rockford, the son of Nat and Barbara Nelson. In addition to his parents, he is survived by son, Nat Anthony, and daughter Leah of Harvard; brothers, Gregg (Carole) of Papillion, NE and Van of Rockford; sister, Nancy of Rockford; aunt, Nancy (Murray) Johnson; nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by grandparents, Mr and Mrs Gunner Nelson and Mr and Mrs Ray Van Deventer.
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Susan Nylander
1956-07-02 1983-02-23Susan Marie Nylander, 26, died at 9:25 a.m.. Feb 23, 1983, in Round Lake in her home of carbon momoxide pooisoning. Born July, 2,1956, in Rockford, the daughter of Harry and Cheryl Nylander. Lived last six months in Round Lake, coming from Rockford. Employed as dental assistant in Mundelein. Graduated from Guilford High School 1974. Went to St Louis University for two years. Was a recent graduate of Rock Valley College dental assistant program. Survivors include her parents, Harry and Cheryl Nylander, Rockford; a sister, Barbara Jo Poetter, LaGrange, and her paternal grandmother, Marie Nylander.
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