Deaths

Death notices for the far Stateline: Oct. 20, 2025

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

Michael McGinnis

Oct 21, 2025 — 4 min read

Eric Hommema, James Cooper, Carl Watson, Kathy Weaver, Margie Olson, Bill Perrin, Arthur Champlin, Margaret Boschi, Wayne Erickson, Robert Perrin

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

Oct. 7, 2025:
Margaret J. Boschi, 100, South Beloit
A 1943 South Beloit High School graduate, she worked for Fairbanks Morse for nearly 50 years until her retirement in 1992. She was a member of the Quarter Century Club. Margaret was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church and volunteered at Helpful Hannah’s House.

Oct. 9, 2025:
Arthur R. Champlin, 97, South Beloit
He knew everything about cars, trucks and salvage, and created A&B Auto Parts from the ground up. He always provided for his family, but taught people a lesson when they needed it. He enjoyed watching wrestling and old Westerns.

Oct. 10, 2025:
Eric Hommema, 50, Roscoe
His career as a biochemical research scientist lasted 25 years despite a 12-year battle with brain cancer. He was on the Thermo Fisher softball team for over 15 years. In 2017, he earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Wayne E. Erickson, 89, South Beloit
In his earlier years, he was a member of the Roscoe Sportsman’s Club and hatched pheasant chicks at home for release into the wild. He spent many years hunting ducks and fishing, always happiest with a retriever by his side.

Margie A. Olson, 94, Rockton
Her children woke each morning to the sound of her pure soprano voice and the smell of pancakes on the griddle. She worked at Beloit Turner School District for 25 years.

Shirley Fiaccabino, 94, Roscoe
She lived on Main Street in Roscoe.

Oct. 13, 2025:
Kathleen A. Weaver, 64, Shirland
She was steady, dependable, kindhearted and caring; a free spirit who found joy in her flowerbeds, the birds in her yard, sewing her own clothes, and cherishing her family.

Oct. 14, 2025:
Robert L. Perrin, 75, Rockton
A talented horse trainer like his father, he was a notable figure in the Illinois harness horse racing industry. He was also an avid fisherman. His simplicity, modesty, and endearing humor made him a joy to be around. He was the brother of William Perrin, and both will be buried in Rockton Township Cemetery.

Shirley Gentles, 83, Rockton
She lived on River Hills Parkway.

Oct. 16, 2025:
James O. Cooper, 69, Roscoe
He began a 33-year career with the Rockford Park District after a traumatic motorcycle accident in 1982. A dedicated blood donor, his loyal dog his constant companion, he had a gift for conversation and a love of telling jokes (often revealing the punchline first).

Oct. 18, 2025:
William L. Perrin, 79, South Beloit
He became vice president of manufacturing at Wisconsin Pretzel and later served as a rural letter carrier for the Roscoe Post Office. He was the brother of Robert Perrin, and both will be buried in Rockton Township Cemetery.

Carl L. Watson, 95, Rockton
He was a dairy farmer who enjoyed traveling, gardening, and fishing, especially in Canada. He loved his family and family gatherings and parties, and was a good story teller. He was a lifetime member of the Harvard Moose Lodge.