John E. Gritzmacher, 76 of Belvidere, IL, passed away Wednesday evening, January 20, 2016 at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. John was born October 18, 1939 in Belvidere, IL, son of Edwin and Gertrude (Scharping) Gritzmacher. He married Virginia Guhrke on July 2, 1960 in Marengo, IL. John owned and operated 320 Meats in Rockford and 640 Meats in Loves Park, IL. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. John enjoyed camping and canoeing. He was very proud to share the same birthday as Mike Ditka and was sure to mention that to anyone he could. John was a huge Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls fan. Most importantly, family meant everything to him, and he was a true family man.

John is loved and will be missed by his loving wife, Virginia of Belvidere; children, Kirk Gritzmacher of Belvidere, Kent Gritzmacher of Gainesville, FL, Kip (Katrina) Gritzmacher of Belvidere, Krystal Pendzinski of Rockford, daughter-in-law, Charmaine Cornwell; grandchildren, Autumn Gritzmacher, Jarett Gritzmacher, Kailah Ballard, Brittany Pendzinski, Jordan Pendzinski, Colton Gritzmacher, Ellie Gritzmacher; great-grandchildren, Payton Cruz, Ronan Gritzmacher-Wyer; siblings, Richard (Janice) Gritzmacher of Belvidere, Robert (Marlene) Gritzmacher of Mesa, AZ, Barbara (Richard) Wych of Garden Prairie, Diane Brown of Santee, CA; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends, Audrey and John Thurow, and Orin and Anita Thies. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Zachery Gritzmacher, son-in-law, Raymond Pendzinski; sisters, Mary Sawyer, Judy Christiansen, Donna Frazer.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 25, 2016 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1045 Belvidere Road, Belvidere, IL 61008 with Rev. Allan Buss officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Sunday, January 24, 2016 at the church. There will also be a visitation from 10:00 a.m, until the time of service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established at a later date. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.