Theodore C. McKee

1941 - 2025

Theodore C. McKee
Born: January 1, 1941 in Sterling, IL
Died: November 29, 2025 in Morrison, IL
MORRISON - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Theodore Charles McKee, who died on November 29, 2025, at Morrison Community Hospital at the age of 84. Ted was a devoted husband to his wife of 63 years, Reta (Norman)McKee and loving father to daughters Janet, Karen, and Rhonda (Nick)Alvarado.
Ted was born on January 1, 1941, at Home Hospital in Sterling, Illinois to parents Ruth (Lendman)and Gordon McKee. He was the 2nd oldest of 10 children. He grew up in the Sterling/Rock Falls area and raised Catholic attending mass regularly and served as an altar boy. He attended Catholic schools, proudly graduating from Newman Catholic High School in 1958. Ted excelled in athletics and was remarkable to watch on the basketball court and on the football field. His competitive spirit was matched by a deep sense of discipline and humility that carried with him throughout his lifetime. He likely would have continued to pursue athletics had a knee injury not sidelined him and which bothered him his entire life. After high school, he attended Lincoln Barber College in East Moline. He spent 46 years behind the chair, most of which were at The Loop Barber Shop in Rock Falls, Illinois. The barber shop was more than a place for a haircut, it was a gathering place where friendships were formed, laughter flowed and everyone was treated like family. His niece recently reminisced on bringing her children to him to get their haircuts and now grandchildren and how they loved to visit with him and how he always made everyone feel important and that he was always one of her most favorite people. His picture remains on the shop wall to this day.
As a young father, he understood the true meaning of family. He always took the time for his children. He spent hours playing catch, shooting hoops in the driveway (never letting you win a game of horse or around the world, but letting you think you almost could), riding bikes, swimming, ice skating, going on long walks and often taking the family to area parks to have picnics, packing the cooler, grilling out and to go hiking as a family. There were no extravagant, expensive vacations, but just precious time with family, teaching them to appreciate the simple joys in life which money could never buy. This was especially true at Christmastime. Not only was Christmas Vacation his all-time favorite movie, Ted was the original Clark Griswold. He even looked and sounded just like him. He could quote the movie verbatim and sing "Joy to the World" in Clark's voice to a T. He bent over backwards to ensure Christmas was a magical time for his young children. He loved to decorate the tree and would only allow the icicles to be put on the tree one by one. No shortcuts. It had to be perfect. He would also go to the finished basement on Christmas Eve and "meet" Santa at the fireplace to get our gifts and played both Santa and himself while his children waited excitedly upstairs full of wonder. He often bought and wrapped his own gifts, labeling to: Ted, from: Reta and she always looked so confused when he opened them on Christmas Day. Though it was never about the gifts under the tree. For him, the true joy was in the magic of the season and the smiles on his children's faces that meant the most.
Aside from working, time with family and his persistent knee injury, he was still a natural athlete, staying active and enjoying every game he played. He played on a recreational basketball league in his early 30's with his team "of scrubs" taking 1st against a group of young college kids in a city tournament. He also played slow pitch softball for years and had the highest limitless arc, spot-on pitch anyone had ever seen. He was dubbed "Double Clutch" with his unusual pitching style by his close friend and teammate. He played wallyball, volleyball, an avid golfer (with one hole-in-one without any witnesses but know he would never lie)was on a bowling league for years and he and his wife had aggressive tennis and pool matches against one another for years. He was the most patient, soft-spoken and sweetest man, but extremely competitive and the only time he ever showed any aggression.
He also was a talented woodworker building his own workshop and deck for his family's backyard pool amongst many other things. Per his wife's request, he built a cupola for their garage with a weathervane and a windmill to honor her Dutch heritage which placed first at the Whiteside County Fair. He never once used any power tools. A true craftsman, he later designed and had a memorial archway made for the courtyard of his assisted living facility for everyone to enjoy well beyond his lifetime. As he became less active, he began beautiful writings. Inspirational and faith-based words of wisdom, each given a title and hand drawn title design. He gifted personalized copies to each of his family members and staff at his assisted living home. He always shared love and light with everyone around him, not with grand gestures, but through small meaningful acts.
Nothing brought Ted greater joy than his grandchildren. Watching them grow and compete and excel in their sports and extra-curricular activities filled him with immense pride. He never missed a game or dance recital. His grandchildren were blessed with the same God given athleticism and talent. He was able to enjoy everything from little league baseball championships to high school state championships in both football and track and later college baseball and football. He loved to share their accomplishments with anyone that would listen. He lovingly nicknamed his grandson "Flyin Rylan" for his speed on the track and that he flew through the air in the long jump. His grandchildren were the highlight of his life and supporting them became one of his proudest roles. Beyond being a devoted grandfather, he was a man remembered for his kindness, steady presence, warm humor and the way he made everyone around him feel valued. His love reached far and touched many, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and generosity. Ted is survived by his wife Reta, daughters Janet, Karen, and Rhonda (Nick) Alvarado. Grandchildren Dane Roth, Charlie (Jaryn Franklin) and Danny Dennehey, Grace Onken and Rylan Alvarado. Great grandchildren Everlyn and Harrison Dennehey. Brother Dick of Rock Falls, Sisters Sharon Fuglestad of Fitchburg, WI, Kathleen McKee of Orlando Fl, Kevin McKee of Hendersonville NC, Colleen (Ann Marie Stanczyk) Sterling of Blairsville, GA, Maureen McKee, Micheal McKee and Jeannie (Ed) Ramos all of Sterling, IL. Also, survived by several nieces and nephews and their extended families. He is proceeded in death by his parents Ruth (Lendman) and Gordon McKee, his sister Eileen Marrs, his nephew Garrett Ramos, nephew Kevin Fuglestad and niece Amanda Tope.
In keeping with his wishes, Ted will be cremated. Family & close friends will attend a private graveside service and he will be laid to rest on January 1, 2026, which would've been his 85th birthday.
Online condolences may be made at www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com