Alan Charles Hutchcroft, of Rockford, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with Primary Progressive Aphasia and ALS.Born in Greeley, CO. on March 17, 1941 to Robert and Elizabeth Hutchcroft, Alan grew up in upstate New York and in Ann Arbor, MI. He attended Kalamazoo College, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1963. There he met his future wife, Elaine, a student of religion and music. After Kalamazoo, Alan went to the University of Michigan, where he earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry in 1969. He and Elaine came to Rockford in 1967 where Alan started teaching chemistry at Rockford College. He taught chemistry there for 36 years and was, for many years, the Gordon and Violet Bartels Professor of Chemistry. In addition to his teaching, Alan served as academic advisor to students pursuing careers in engineering, medicine and the other health sciences. Alan and his wife also supported the College's annual trips to Mississippi during spring break where students worked with Habitat for Humanity. To honor Alan, these trips are now called the Alan Hutchcroft Spring Break. He was Chair of the Chemistry Dept. and then Chair of the Math/Science/Nursing Division, and a valued member on countless committees. He retired from Rockford College as Professor Emeritus in 2003 after years of dedication to the College, his colleagues, and most importantly, to his students. His teaching and service to the College were recognized by students and colleagues when he received the Excellence in Teaching and Campus Leadership Award in 2003. He was a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) hosting the Chemistry Olympiad at Rockford College for many years. He was involved in MACTLAC, were he served as President recently. He was active in the Rockford Community, a member of Winnebago/Rockford Clean & Beautiful where he was past president. He was also on the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Solid Waste Management, supporter of the Severson Dells Environmental Education Foundation and the Land Institute, he participated in MELD activities and in his church. He is the proud father of Eric (Tricia) Hutchcroft and Sara (Matt) Brown, and grandfather of Teagan and Ethan Hutchcroft, and Emmalynn Brown.

Memorials may be given in Alan's name to Winnebago/Rockford Clean and Beautiful – 5417 N. Second St. Rockford, IL. 61111, the Rockford MELD Program for young parents, 716 N. Church St. Rockford, IL. 61103, or Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary – 111 North First St. Rockford, IL. 61107.