Timothy Robert Rock
January 16, 1950 – February 18, 2026

Timothy Robert Rock, 76, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on February 18, 2026. A memorial service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Iles Jordan Creek Chapel (7150 Ashworth Rd. West Des Moines, IA. 50266). The service will be livestreamed at Ilescares.com. A celebration of life gathering will immediately follow the service until 12:30 p.m.

Tim was born in Dixon, Illinois on January 16, 1950, to Edward and Alice (Hettler) Rock. The youngest of six children, Tim carried with him throughout his life a deep appreciation for family, faith, and the simple blessing of being alive.

To those who knew him best, Tim was many things: a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud papa, a caring brother, a cherished uncle, a loyal friend, and a grateful father-in-law. Above all, he considered himself blessed. In his own final writings, he wrote that he was “blessed, blessed, blessed.” And to his family, he left this message: “thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Tim described himself humbly and honestly, as a human, a sinner, and an eternal atoner. He believed he was fortunate in this world and lived with a spirit of gratitude. In his final reflections, he asked for God’s forgiveness and everlasting peace, and he prayed for warmth for all. In notes he prepared himself, Tim left behind simple but powerful words: “Family… Forever…Believe…”

His life was guided by faith, humility, and love for those closest to him. He treasured his role within his family and found deep meaning in those relationships.

Tim specifically asked for no accolades in his obituary, only words of comfort. With hope and characteristic sincerity, he left one final message: “Let’s meet up again… adios.”

Tim is survived by his loving wife, Connie; children, Christina (Jon) Troen and Tim (Aimee) Rock; and his grandchildren: Ben, Henry, Ella, and Inez Bea.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Tim’s name may be directed to JDRF Greater Iowa Chapter to combat diabetes.

Arrangements are being handled by Iles Jordan Creek Chapel. Online condolences can be made at Ilescares.com

Joseph E. Butterfield
September 5, 1949 – February 2, 2026

Joseph E. Butterfield, 76, of Dixon, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026 in Lakeland, FL.

Joseph attended Dixon High School as well as mechanic trade school in East St. Louis, IL. He worked as a welder, cement truck driver and mechanic, working 35 years at Rock River Ready Mix in Dixon. He retired in 2008.

Joseph was born in Dixon, IL on September 5, 1949, the son of Kenneth and Virginia (Tabor) Butterfield. He married Marsha (Fox) Butterfield on April 27, 1974. He was a long-time member of the Elks Lodge #779 and made countless memories with friends and family there. Joseph loved and was well-known for his volunteer work through the Elks, and was also named Elk of the Year in 2025. Although he never had the opportunity to serve in the military, he was exceedingly proud of his father and father-in-law for their service in WWII.

Joseph enjoyed time with friends playing shuffleboard, where he was known for his delicious baked beans. He also loved fishing, coin-collecting, the Chicago Bears and spending time in his garage-turned man cave. Most of all, Joseph loved spending time with family.

Melissa has precious memories of growing up watching Bears games with her dad and seeing him in the audience for her dance recitals, pom squad performances, and softball games. Joseph made many trips to Florida to visit Melissa, his son-in-law, and grandkids-who were able to get him on every ride in Disney World-even the roller coasters. He shared and passed down his love of coins and fishing with his grandchildren and taught them that the greatest gift was time spent together.

Joseph spent much of his time working side by side with his son, Joshua, in his shop. Joseph and Joshua were more than father and son; they were best friends. Joseph taught Joshua many things throughout his life, including his extensive mechanical knowledge and exceptional work ethic. Most importantly, Joseph taught Joshua how to be a great man.

Joseph also raised his grandson, Hayden Sweet, from the age of 6 months, sacrificing an easy, retired life. Joseph and Marsha happily took on the challenge of raising a child even after their nest was empty. Joseph raised Hayden as a son of his own, and Hayden is extremely grateful for his selflessness.

He is survived by four children, Danny Sweet of Milwaukee, WI, Derek Sweet of Tampa, FL, Melissa (Brian) Fesenmeyer of Auburndale, FL, and Joshua Butterfield of Dixon; four grandchildren, Zachary Fesenmeyer, Olivia Fesenmeyer, Jack Fesenmeyer and Hayden Sweet, along with many nieces and nephews.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marsha Butterfield, and brother, John (Jack) Butterfield.

Words cannot express the impact Joseph had on so many people over his lifetime-family, friends, even strangers. He was the epitome of love, kindness and strength. Our loss is immeasurable. He was the best example of Galatians 5:22-23 and he lavishly poured those characteristics on us all.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm at the Dixon Elks Lodge, Dixon, IL.

Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com

Carolyn S. Graham
March 28, 1950 – October 30, 2025

Carolyn S. Graham, age 75, of Belvidere, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025, in Champaign, Illinois. She was born March 28, 1950, to Ronald and Marilyn Russell in Dixon, Illinois. She graduated from Dixon High School, and later attended Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois. She married the love of her life, Bruce A. Graham, on November 25, 1997.

Carolyn was appointed as an executive sales representative and helped to open a new office for QPS Staffing in Rockford, Illinois. The new office quickly became one of the most successful agencies in the company with Carolyn spearheading the sales. She also enjoyed her position on the Board of Directors for MELD, a local charitable organization. With the combination of her noted outstanding charitable fundraising success, along with her high-level achievements in her sales career, she was nominated as a candidate for “Woman of the Year” for the city of Rockford, Illinois, where she finished as the runner-up candidate.

Regardless of her many successful career accomplishments, she was most proud to be an extremely dedicated, loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Bruce A. Graham; brother, Richard (Janet) Russell; children, Roger F. Cannon Jr, Sheri Brietska, Tricia Graham, and Tracy Graham; grandchildren, along with numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Marilyn Russell.

A visitation will be held for Carolyn on Wednesday, December 10, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd., Machesney Park, IL 61115, with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Dennis L. Grobe
May 22, 1949 – November 13, 2025

Dennis L. Grobe, 76, of Walnut, passed away November 13, 2025, following a short and sudden illness.

Dennis was born May 22, 1949, in Dixon, to the late Forrest L. and Arlene (Wechsler) Grobe. He was a 1968 graduate of Dixon High School and went on to earn his B.S. of Sociology from Illinois State University in 1973. On August 6, 1977, Dennis was united in marriage to his wife of 48 years, MaryJo Riser.

Dennis devoted his life’s work to the care of all ages when they were unable to care for themselves. He started his career working in various administrative capacities in Decatur, S. Beloit, Polo, Sterling, and Rock Falls areas. In 1991, Dennis and MaryJo moved to Walnut, where he served as administrator at Walnut Manor until his retirement in 2019. It was during this time Dennis’s passion for his career embraced his philosophy to provide an environment of dignity, care, and love. It was not uncommon to find Dennis staying past normal working hours to arrange for the care of their loved ones, and to make each resident feel welcome in their “new home.”

After retirement, his love for helping others led him to be an active substitute teacher in the Ohio and Bureau Valley school districts. During his working years, Dennis served in various roles for the Village of Walnut as Village Board Trustee and President from April 2005-April 2021. He was involved with the Dixon and Walnut Rotary Clubs from 1976, and on May 8, 2013, was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. In 2014, he was chosen as Walnut Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. He was a member of the Dixon Elks Lodge #779 for over 36 years. He was a member of the Walnut United Methodist Church where he served as President of the administrative board since joining the church in 1991. Dennis was a member of the IL Heath Care Association where he served on the board from 1994-2000. He was also a member of the IL Nursing Home Administrator’s Association from 1985 to the time of passing, where he was an active Board Member.

Survivors include his wife, MaryJo (Riser) Grobe; two sons, Jacob (Jackie), and Matthew (Danielle); four grandchildren, Katelyn, Kimberlee, Allison, and Eleanor, all of Walnut; brothers, David (Naomi), George (Sandy), and Harry Grobe; brother-in-law, Harvey “Bud” (Sue) Riser; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Garland Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Walnut United Methodist Church, with Reverend David Poust officiating. Burial will conclude at Walnut Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Walnut United Methodist Church; Ohio School District student emergency fund; or Dixon Elks Club Breakfast with Santa.

Jeffrey A. Welker
October 6, 1950 – September 14, 2025

Jeffrey A. Welker, age 74, of Dixon, died Sunday, September 14, 2025 at UW Hospital in Madison following a sudden illness.

Jeff was born October 6, 1950 in Dixon, IL, the son of Claude "Mick" and Lorraine (Giannoni) Welker. He married Marie Lopez on May 1, 1971 at St. Andrew's Church in Rock Falls. He was a 1968 graduate of Dixon High School and served in the National Guard from 1970 to 1976.

Jeff attended SVCC's automotive program and later graduated from Aurora University with a Business Management degree. From 1970-1985, he worked at the Com Ed Fleet Garage in Dixon, becoming a foreman in 1981. From 1984-1999, he worked in the Com Ed Garage in Rockford where he became a supervisor in 1986. From 1999-2004, he worked in Oak Brook as Fleet Director of Northern Illinois Transportation of Com Ed. He retired in 2004.

Jeff had a passion for dirt track racing, but his great love in life was for his wife and best friend, his children, his siblings, his friends (you know who you are), and his grandchildren, Kobi the snowboarder, Brielle the tennis player, Griffin the soccer player and fisherman, and Princess Layla and her Aerial Yoga. He also enjoyed meeting up with his great friends for coffee every Saturday morning.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marie Lopez Welker of Dixon; three children, Julie Welker of Los Angeles, CA, Jason (Candice) Welker of Sterling, and Brian (Breann) Welker of Dixon; three sisters, his twin Jan (David) Deets of Dixon, Wendy Branaum of Albuquerque, NM, and Kristin (Mark) Joynt of Dixon; two brothers, Greg (Kris) Welker of Polo and Rick (Candy) Welker of Dixon; and four grandchildren, Kobi Voyson, Brielle Boehm, Griffin Welker, and Layla Welker. His grandson, Griffin, always said there's nothing my Grandpa couldn't fix and if you can't fix it, keep trying.

He was preceded in death by his parents.