Death notices for the far Stateline: Feb. 24, 2026

With sadness, we announce the following deaths for Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit in recent weeks:

Feb. 1, 2026:
Scott D. Swinford, 58, Rockton
He lived on Kocher Street and owned a motorcycle.

Glen L. Gabel Sr., 95, Roscoe
A graduate of Hononegah High School, he served as president of the Roscoe Improvement Association and a trustee for the Village of Roscoe and the Harlem–Roscoe Fire Department. He took great pride in helping a friend build his boat.

Feb. 15, 2026:
Patricia J. Doyle-Erickson, 60, Roscoe
She served as an operating room nurse for over 20 years. She loved cruises, family vacations to Florida, summers at local beaches, and finding fun winter activities for the kids. For Thanksgiving, everyone knew exactly who would be bringing the apple pie.

Feb. 16, 2026:
Harold Schermerhorn, 92, Roscoe
After growing up in Minnesota as one of eleven children, he spent 27 years at Goss Printing, then worked in maintenance at Hononegah until his retirement in 1997.

Feb. 19, 2026:
Mary Lou Christiansen, 87, Roscoe
Married for 72 years and an accountant at Sundstrand for 23 years, she had a special gift for making holidays magical, and loved puzzles, sewing, and handicrafts.

John A. Malcott, 77, Rockton
The former owner of Rockford Rigging, he loved playing handball and golf. He had a quiet strength and a big heart.

Jimmy L. Lewis, 76, Rockton
He worked for many years as a dry cleaner, but he was also a race car driver at the Rockford Speedway. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, boating, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Feb. 20, 2026:
Marla R. Wallace, 69, Rockton
Born in DeKalb, she graduated from Beloit Memorial High School. She was married at the Church by the Side of the Road. She loved her cats, dogs, and squirrels. She delighted in puffball mushrooms in her yard.

Patricia L. Dotson, 76, South Beloit
She graduated from South Beloit High School as class president. For more than 35 years, she served in the Media and Technology Services Department at the School District of Beloit, where she was a "second mom" to many students.

Feb. 22, 2026:
Neil E. McLaughlin, 83, Rockton
He lived on Echo Drive for more than 35 years. He was a supporter of the Natural Land Institute and Severson Dells. His final resting place is Scandinavian Cemetery in Rockford, IL.

Other recent obituaries

Death notices for the far Stateline: Feb. 17, 2026

Death notices for the far Stateline: Feb. 10, 2026

Death notices for the far Stateline: Feb. 3, 2026

Death notices for the far Stateline: Jan. 27, 2026

Families from Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit may send birth, wedding, or funeral announcements at no charge to editor@roscoenews.com. Many images were enhanced using Hotpot.ai.