"My sympathy to the McCorkle Family for their loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Gloria Caracello"
In loving memory of
Jeffrey Kilbourn McCorkle
January 26, 1967 - October 14, 2019
Jeffrey Kilbourn "Jeff" McCorkle, age 52, of Rockford, Illinois died on Monday, October 14, 2019, at 8:05 pm in Mercy Health Hospital in Rockford, Illinois.
Jeff was born January 26, 1967 in Dekalb, Illinois, the son of Jack McCorkle and Julie Driesbach McCorkle.
Jeff graduated from Jefferson High School in Rockford, Illinois. Jeff was employed by the Rockford Park District at the Riverveiw Ice House skating rink for many years. He enjoyed spending time in nature, he loved maps, and was an animal lover. Jeff liked taking walks in the park. He was a Chicago Cubs baseball fan and New York Jets football fan.
Survivors include his mother, Julie (John) Nelson of Quincy; his father, Jack (Laura) McCorkle of St. Charles, IL; two brothers, Hugh McCorkle of St. Charles, IL, and Kyle Nelson of St. Peters, MO; a sister, Allison McCorkle of Downers Grove, IL; his maternal grandfather, David Driesbach of Wheaton, IL; four aunts and uncles, Elizabeth (Paul) Eisen of Menasha, WI, Emily (Craig) Wolffing of Green River, WY, Carrie (Bob) Provost of Wheaton, IL, and John (Jan) Driesbach of Akron, OH.
Jeff was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Maggie Driesbach and his paternal grandparents, Hugh & Lorraine McCorkle.
The Nelson and McCorkle families would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Stepping Stones of Rockford for the support they provided to Jeff over 20 years, as he lived in the Stepping Stones Community Apartments.
Celebration of Life Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, October 21, 2019 at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Memorials: Stepping Stones of Rockford, Illinois
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Jeff was one of the first people I met when I first came to Emmanuel. He walked right up and asked me who I was and if I was from Rockford. Over the years I saw him do this time and again; he was curious and wanted to know the people he attended church with. I will always remember him making sure he passed the peace with as many people as time permitted, his joy in watching an infant (or an adult) baptism, and his exhaustive knowledge of dates, geography, and the Bible. One memory that will always be in my mind is of the first Sunday our former rector and her husband brought their newborn son to church, and Jeff softly singing to him "What Child Is This?" Rest in peace, Jeff, and may light perpetual shine upon you."
"We have fond memories of traveling with you to Wheaton for the Christmas holidays over the years. We would start with a lunch (usually at Culvers in Rockford) then head to Wheaton for a visit with Grandma and Grandpa and your loving cousins. Sweet Lucy would take you to church services, always a very important part of your life. We had a lot of fun together. We will miss your wonderful sense of humor and all the political discussions in the car. You will always be part of our lives. Love, Uncle Paul and Aunt Liz Eisen"
"In a time of confusion during the 1980s over the differences in messages coming from the two or three churches he was attending, Jeff and a counselor agreed that he should pick one church to be his spiritual home. His choice was Emmanuel Episcopal in Rockford. When his counselor asked why Emmanuel, he responded ?Because they love me.? He was right, and our mutual love enriched us all as a family for many years."
"Jeff will be missed at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Rockford. He could always be counted on to fill in dates or details of historical events. I remember one session in particular when a bishop asked about an event and Jeff answered the question and the bishop was stunned. He said it was the first church he had been in that anyone knew the answer! Jeff also helped us keep track of any inaccuracies with dates/times announced for parish events. Jeff's was also the first voice we heard in many congregational responses. Our parish family will miss having you in our midst. Rest in peace, Jeff. With love from Trish "
"I enjoyed being Jeff's case manger. He was always responsible and he knew how to handle his personal business. I enjoyed the fact that Jeff enjoyed his life. He would always let me know when he needed money for an event he wanted to attend. He was always active and stayed connected to the outside world of Stepping Stones. He was always such a gentle man. Jeff was not just an participant he was part of my work family and I enjoyed having Jeff on my case load. Jeff will be sorely missed! Rochelle Owens"
"Jeff. You will always be in our hearts. May you rest in peace. We will think of you especially when we hear all your favorite songs. So glad Liz and I were able to take you to Rice Lake several years ago, and that you spent many a Christmas celebrating with family. You were one special human being. Will miss those bear hugs. Love you always....Emily and Craig"