Deaths

Death notices for the far Stateline: Oct. 13, 2025

We remember those who are no longer with us in Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit.

Michael McGinnis

Oct 14, 2025 — 2 min read

John Curtiss, Patricia Williams, Frances Close, Dennis Burke, Nancy Swain, Wayne Geary

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

Aug. 23, 2025:
Dennis Burke, 78, Roscoe
He began his career in water treatment and in 1991, he founded his own company in Roscoe to separate and purify liquid sweeteners. A Celebration of Life will be held on Oct. 18 at Firehouse Pub.

Sept. 23, 2025:
Donna S. Garcia, 64, South Beloit

Oct. 5, 2025:
Frances L. Close, 54, South Beloit
Alongside her late husband, Billy, she owned and operated Lucky Lock for over 30 years. She specialized in car locks, painting, books, and wine tastings.

Nancy J. Swain, 75, Roscoe
After a 48 year career at Goldie Floberg, she became the first recipient of the agency's highest honor, the Paragon Award. She was a former member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Oct. 6, 2025:
Patricia A. Williams, 75, Roscoe
She worked as a clerk at Vince’s Depot for more than twenty years. She took pride in living independently after her husband's passing in 2021. She adored her birds but had a running feud with the squirrels.

Oct. 8, 2025:
John E. Curtiss, 64, Rockton
He retired after a long and accomplished career as a financial service representative: golfing, traveling, listening to music, playing his harmonica, reading, and spending quality time with his family.

Wayne G. Geary, 72, Roscoe
A machinist throughout his career, he had a soft spot for the dance floor and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. A celebration of his life (and storytelling) will be held on November 8 at the Roscoe VFW.