Harold William Dawsey

ROCKFORD - Harold William Dawsey, born November 2, 1968, lovingly known to so many as "Hoe," passed away on July 23, 2026, at the age of 57 in Rockford, Illinois. Born November 2, 1968 to parents, Robert Carner and Marjorie (Brockett) Benhoff.

If you knew Hoe, you knew he never met a stranger. Whether he was at the gas station, the grocery store, or just out and about, he could strike up a conversation with anyone. You couldn't go anywhere with him without running into someone who knew him. He had a quick wit, a great sense of humor, and a way of making people laugh.

In 1997, he proudly bought his Harley-Davidson brand new, a motorcycle he would ride and cherish for nearly 30 years. Riding wasn't just something Hoe enjoyed; it was a part of who he was. He loved the freedom of the open road and never needed much of a reason to go for a ride. Whether from a long trip or a short cruise around town, he took great pride in every mile he put on his bike.

Those who rode with Hoe often said he was their safest ride. More often than not, he was the one leading the pack, setting the pace, and making sure everyone made it home. For him, riding wasn't just about the destination; it was about the people beside him, the stories made along the way, and the friendships built mile after mile.

As much as he loved the open road, nothing meant more to Hoe than his family. He was a proud father, a devoted Papa, and someone who believed family wasn't defined by blood alone. He loved his daughter, the children he chose to love as his own, and his grandchildren with his whole heart. Being "Papa" was one of the titles he cherished most, and the memories he created with his grandkids will be treasured forever.

Harold is survived by his mother, Marjorie (James) Benhoff (Brockett) of Rockford, IL; his daughter, Savannah (Eric) Watson of Belvidere, IL; his daughters by love, Kayla (Merlin) Brewer, Karli Dobler, and Kendra Moses; his cherished grandchildren, Tripp and Chase Watson, Gracie Moses, Max and Liam Brewer, Kyra and Kasias Dobler; his partner, Michelle Moses of Rockford, IL; and his siblings, Donna Carner (Dawsey) of Burlington, IA, George (Barbara) Dawsey of Rockford, IL, David (Brandi) Lawrence of Rockford, IL, Robert Wayne Carner of Tucson, AZ, and Becky Price of Lecompte, LA; several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Carner; his sisters, Victoria Teeples and Mary Jane Lawrence; his stepfather, James Watkins; and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Though his final ride has come to an end, the memories he created, the roads he traveled, and the lives he touched will continue on. He was one of a kind. He was Dad. He was Papa. He was "Hoe." He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Hoe's life on Saturday, August 8 at Christenson Funeral Home, 925 3rd Avenue, Rockford. Public visitation from 1:00–3:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 3:00 p.m. A celebration of life will immediately follow the service at Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve in Cherry Valley, IL.

www.rockfordfunerals.com