Keith Wilson was an educator

Clifford Keith Wilson, 94, of Roscoe, died on February 17, 2023. He was born on January 20, 1929 to Clifford and Vernie Maye (Schreiber) Wilson in Leaf River, IL. Keith graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in 1949 and later graduated with a master’s degree from Rockford College in 1955. He worked for the Board of Education and for various Rockford schools including Bloom Elementary, the Alpine Academy of Rockford, and Concordia Lutheran School. He was the superintendent at Lutheran High School.

Keith was an active member at GPS Faith Community Church in Machesney Park where he participated in Bible study and fellowship. He was also a member of Gideons International, Phi Delta Kappa, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and National Lutheran Principal Association. Keith married Carol Angerson in 1950 and later married Marlene Hoyer in March 1975. She predeceased him in 1993. He re-married in June of 2003 to Diane Mary Smith-Pirrello.

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Keith played such an integral part in education and the community within the Rockford and smaller outlining communities. From teaching the WWII vets about farming, agriculture, bookkeeping and money management, helping to set them up for success, to opening various schools throughout the area. His love for teaching and bringing kids up to their potential brought forth programs in reading, summer schools, the academy at Bloom and eventually bringing together education and the love of the Lord.

He took Lutheran High School from the point of almost closing their doors to thriving and growing, from 7-12 grades into preschool- 12 grades. He was so proud of his accomplishments. He was even more proud of his kids - his own personal ones and all those he touched along the way. His love for the Lord, his family, and farming formed him into the man we all knew and loved.

Keith is survived by his wife, Diane Wilson; children, Peggy (John) Lusz, Judy Wilson, Jamie (Jim) Persson, Angie (Dennis) Meade, Sheila (Ed) Jascemskas; step-daughters Gina Kim Pirrello and Kate Diane Pirrello; special sons Troy Seabrook and Gary Griffin; grandchildren, Lindsey (Cody) Corbett, Clifford K. (Estelle) Wilson IV, Anthony Jascemskas, Tyler Hintz, Cody Meade, Alex Meade, Ann Lusz, Parish Lusz and Ben Lusz; and great-grandchildren; Ethan Corbett, James Clifford Corbett and Phoebe Wilson. He was predeceased by his parents; spouses Marlene Wilson and Carol Wilson; son Clifford Wilson; brothers Elwyn and Lowell Wilson; and sister Glenda Wilson.

Visitation will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at Rockford Lutheran School, 3411 N. Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 on Monday, February 27, 2023 at GPS Faith Community Church, 11189 Forest Hills Road, Machesney Park, IL. 61115 with Pastor Brandon Nelson officiating, and a fellowship luncheon following the service. Following the luncheon, a burial will be at North Grove Christian Cemetery, N. Mount Morris Rd, Leaf River, IL, 61047. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Cancer Hospital.