John Gaylord Hegberg

John Gaylord Hegberg, world's proudest dad, goofball, and man of taste, died on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

John grew up with younger siblings Judi and Jeff Hegberg in Rockford, IL.  It was probably during this time that he developed his incredible, witty, and sometimes inappropriate sense of humor.  John could always find the humor in any situation and never took himself too seriously.

When time came to leave the nest, John joined the Air Force.  He served in Thule, Greenland and Minot, North Dakota, and often claimed that these were the two coldest places on Planet Earth.  He cherished the shovel and flashlight that walked off base with him when he was honorably discharged.  After the military, John pursued an education and worked as an Aerospace Engineer, spending the majority of his career at Sundstrand and its successive iterations.

Anyone who knew John could tell you his greatest pride.  John was the most loving and supportive father his son Jared could have asked for.  He never missed the chance to chaperone a school field trip or attend one of his son's sporting events, regardless of his son's extreme lack of athletic talent.  A lover of all animals (except snakes), John served as a warm caretaker to a number of cats he inherited from others.  "Grandpa John" was beloved by grandchildren Elle Harper Hegberg and Magnus Jack Hegberg.

John's tastes in life were unparalleled.  There were no foods he loved more than a Regular Stack of Swedish Pancakes from Stockholm Inn and a Sausage Pizza from Lino's.  Dressed in one of his Member's Only jackets, you could always spot him driving up in his Cadillac Eldorado, listening to the intro to "Too Much Time on My Hands" by Styx.

An avid collector and philatelist, John thoroughly enjoyed collecting United Nations stamps.  In addition, he collected every yearbook, from every year, from every middle and high school in the Rockford area.  He also enjoyed supporting the Rockford East High Class of '64.  John was a dedicated Rockford IceHogs fan, serving as an Off-Ice Official for many years and never missing a game on the radio or television.

Services are Private.  Cremation rites accorded.  Inurnment at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery, Rockford.  Christenson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.  Memorials to the family or The American Heart Association.  John would have encouraged you to reach out and chat with a loved one.

www.rockfordfunerals.com