John Mink

JOHN WALLIS MINK, 73 husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and community leader ROCKFORD - John Wallis Mink, died peacefully Saturday, November 9, 2013 with his wife and daughters by his side, after battling cancer with dignity and personal strength for several months. John was born the first of six children to Thomas Wallis and LaVona Mink on April 9, 1940 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He married his high school sweetheart, Roberta "Robbie" Kemp in 1962. Together they raised two daughters, Pamela and Barbara. John graduated from the University of Wisconsin as a mechanical engineer. He moved to Rockford to start his career at Barber-Colman in 1963. He received a masters degree in Business from Northern Illinois University. In 1988 John became owner and CEO of Rockford Spring Co. After its sale in 2007, John was CEO of Zenith Cutter until its sale in 2011. John made an imprint on his beloved Rockford through the community Boards he had the honor of serving. In addition to the many Boards, John was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church, Rock Valley Kiwanis Club, Northern Illinois Corvette Club and University of Wisconsin Alumni Club of Rockford. John loved God, his family, his friends and his community. He enjoyed his Corvette, the Green Bay Packers, sailing, golfing, jazz music, and any building project he could get his hands on. Spending time at his Wisconsin lake home and attending his grandchildren's sporting events and activities were two of his favorite past times. John was a strong advocate for donor awareness and held a special place in his heart for his kidney donor, Scott. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Robbie; daughters, Pam (Gregg) Herrmann, and Barb Mink; grandchildren, Peter and Matthew Herrmann and Molly Mink; brother, David (Marge) Mink; sisters, Linda (Kenneth) Slater, Ruth (Robert) Callan, Virginia Roders; sisters-in-law, Nancy Kemp (Wilson), Susan (John) Spitzer; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by parents; brother, Kenneth; brothers-in-law, Richard Roders and Gerald Wilson; and mother and father-in-law, Eleanor and James Kemp. Service to celebrate John's life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, November 16, at Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Road. Visitation will be held 3:30 to 7 p.m., Friday, November 15, at the church. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in care of the family to be distributed to John's chosen organizations. Arrangements by Julian-Poorman-Welte Funeral Home, 304 N. 5th St., Rockford. Online memorial register, maps and directions at www.weltefuneral.com.