Jack E. Newkirk, 83, of Rockford, died at 6:00 a.m., Sunday, March 1, 2009 at home after a short illness. Born October 5th, 1925 in Marion, Iowa; son of Ray and Marie Newkirk. Attended Belvidere schools and graduated from Belvidere High School, class of 1943. He graduated from University of Illinois, Class of 1950. Served in U.S. Navy during WWII. Jack married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Andrew in Caledonia, Illinois on September 27, 1947. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara and two wonderful daughters, Susan Palmer and Marcia (Jim) Rattay; four grandchildren, Christopher (Maggie), Tim (Allison), John (Lindsay), Anne Marie (Cooper McGeorge) Rattay; four great-grandchildren, Josiah, Jaden, Riley and Taylor Rattay; two brothers, Jack (Rosann) Dahlstrom, Carbon Cliff, Illinois and Phillip (Nancy) Newkirk, Gulfport Mississippi; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Einhorn and staff and Northern Illinois Hospice Association, especially Sue, Terri and Debbi.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Northern Illinois Hospice Association.