1956
Jeff
2025
Jeff "Moose" Rohl
August 9, 1956 — May 15, 2025
Jeff “Moose” Rohl, 68, of Rockford, Illinois, was called home on May 15, 2025, with his wife by his side.
Born on August 9, 1956, in Morrison, Illinois, to Irvin H. and Marlene F. (Lindsay) Rohl. Jeff graduated from Harlem High School, Class of 1974, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Tennessee Temple University in 1979. He married Julie Bishop on May 24, 1980, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the two were looking forward to celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary later this month. Jeff had a career of over 30 years at Rockford Blacktop and was a member of Local 32 where he was best known as “Moose”. He spent his post-retirement years with Dickerson & Nieman Realtors, where he loved helping people find their perfect home.
Beyond work, Jeff was a member of First Evangelical Free Church, Mendelssohn Chorale, and Gideons International. Many have been touched by Jeff’s powerful voice and musical talent. Jeff loved music from an early age and played guitar, sang in the choir at Harlem High School, and was a member of his college men’s acapella group. As part of the choir at First Free, he traveled all over the world, including the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Ukraine, Guatemala, and Mexico, where he sang in each country’s language. Additionally, Jeff inspired others at First Free through his memorable performances in Wonders of Christmas, Splendor and Majesty, The Easter Celebration, and at Special Ministries. He loved singing about the Lord and strengthening others’ faith, especially with his signature song: “I Have Joy.” Jeff was a staple in the Rockford musical scene. He proudly sang the national anthem for every Rockford sports team, and his distinctive voice was a cherished part of countless weddings, funerals, and concerts. Music was his gift to his family, community, and world.
Jeff had a big heart for others, a radiant smile, and a nickname for every friend. He was our biggest cheerleader from the sidelines and could always be heard rooting everyone on. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren, who affectionately called him PaPa. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors include his wife, Julie; sons, Jonathan (Krista), Stephen (Denise), and Nathan (Jessica) Rohl; grandchildren, Emmerson, Grayden, Elliston, Layla, Shaylee, and Beckett; mother, Marlene; sisters, Lynda Hecox and Sue Rohl; father-in-law and mother-in-law Larry and Phyllis Bishop; several cherished nieces and nephews; dear friend, Dave Kersten; and many other beloved relatives and friends. Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Irv; and brother, David.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at First Evangelical Free Church, 2223 North Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois, followed by fellowship and a celebration of life. Cremation rites accorded. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to provide wheelchairs for dialysis patients and other causes dear to Jeff’s heart may be made to the family or online: https://everloved.com/life-of/jeff-rohl/
Born on August 9, 1956, in Morrison, Illinois, to Irvin H. and Marlene F. (Lindsay) Rohl. Jeff graduated from Harlem High School, Class of 1974, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Tennessee Temple University in 1979. He married Julie Bishop on May 24, 1980, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the two were looking forward to celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary later this month. Jeff had a career of over 30 years at Rockford Blacktop and was a member of Local 32 where he was best known as “Moose”. He spent his post-retirement years with Dickerson & Nieman Realtors, where he loved helping people find their perfect home.
Beyond work, Jeff was a member of First Evangelical Free Church, Mendelssohn Chorale, and Gideons International. Many have been touched by Jeff’s powerful voice and musical talent. Jeff loved music from an early age and played guitar, sang in the choir at Harlem High School, and was a member of his college men’s acapella group. As part of the choir at First Free, he traveled all over the world, including the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Ukraine, Guatemala, and Mexico, where he sang in each country’s language. Additionally, Jeff inspired others at First Free through his memorable performances in Wonders of Christmas, Splendor and Majesty, The Easter Celebration, and at Special Ministries. He loved singing about the Lord and strengthening others’ faith, especially with his signature song: “I Have Joy.” Jeff was a staple in the Rockford musical scene. He proudly sang the national anthem for every Rockford sports team, and his distinctive voice was a cherished part of countless weddings, funerals, and concerts. Music was his gift to his family, community, and world.
Jeff had a big heart for others, a radiant smile, and a nickname for every friend. He was our biggest cheerleader from the sidelines and could always be heard rooting everyone on. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren, who affectionately called him PaPa. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors include his wife, Julie; sons, Jonathan (Krista), Stephen (Denise), and Nathan (Jessica) Rohl; grandchildren, Emmerson, Grayden, Elliston, Layla, Shaylee, and Beckett; mother, Marlene; sisters, Lynda Hecox and Sue Rohl; father-in-law and mother-in-law Larry and Phyllis Bishop; several cherished nieces and nephews; dear friend, Dave Kersten; and many other beloved relatives and friends. Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Irv; and brother, David.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at First Evangelical Free Church, 2223 North Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois, followed by fellowship and a celebration of life. Cremation rites accorded. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to provide wheelchairs for dialysis patients and other causes dear to Jeff’s heart may be made to the family or online: https://everloved.com/life-of/jeff-rohl/
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jeff "Moose" Rohl, please visit our flower store.
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