Jeffrey "Jeff" Sluiter

Jeffrey “Jeff” Lynn Sluiter, 66, of Rockford passed away Thursday, December 31, 2020, in his home surrounded by his family.  Born March 10, 1954, in Freeport, the son of Ronald “Ron” and Roberta (Schrader) Sluiter.  Jeff grew up on the family dairy farm.  He attended German Valley Elementary, Forreston High School, Class of 1972, where he played football, basketball and ran cross country, and Highland Community College.  Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1974 to 1976 and was stationed in Ludwigsburg, Germany at Flak-Kassern Ludwigsburg, where his daughter, Jennifer, was born at that time.  Married Lee Ann Hawbaker on March 22, 1986, at the Little Church by the Side of the Road in Rockton.  They had two sons, Max and Sam.  He was actively involved with his sons in Cub Scouts, serving as assistant den leader in Pack 206, and in Boy Scouts, serving as scoutmaster of Troop 418.  He enjoyed year-round camping and summer camps at Lowden.  In earlier years he played softball, racquetball and bicycled.  He rode motorcycles for over 50 years and in 2020 bought his dream bike, a BMW 1200 GS.  Jeff was a member and past president of Blackhawk BMW Motorcycle Club.  He led many rides and most everyone's favorite was the "New Glarus Dragon."  He rode the Tennessee Tail of the Dragon several times with dear friends and he attended many BMW Motorcycle National Rallies.  Jeff was employed by Kelly Springfield, Woodward Governor, Precision Group, BMW Motorcycles of Rockford, and most recently First Student where he drove a school bus to Rockton Elementary and Hononegah High School.  He loved his family, friends, co-workers, and the students he carried on the bus.  He was a humble man, a gentle giant, who was respected and loved by so many.  Survivors include his loving wife of 34 years, Lee Ann; daughter, Jennifer (Tony) Alexander of Redwood City, CA; sons, Max Sluiter of Chicago, and Sam Sluiter of Rockford; grandchildren, Mekenna Wilson and Grayson Alexander; mother, Roberta Sluiter; siblings, Larry (Carolyn) Sluiter, Tom (Jan) Sluiter, and Kim (Brad) DeWall; brother-in-law, Bill (Diana) Hawbaker; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen (Mike) Pellegrino; numerous nieces and nephews; closest friends, Earve and Becky Brauer and Roy Gregerson; and his furry babies, Molly, Barry Allen and Solomon.  Predeceased by his father.  Thanks to Dr. Jamil Hussain for his medical expertise and tender care for Jeff.  Also, thanks to the nurses on 4 North and 3 West at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Mercy Hospice, and all our friends who have reached out to embrace and console our family with words, hugs, cards, and food, through Jeff's brief journey with very aggressive cancer.  Thank you, Jeff, for lots of good memories and most of all, for Max and Sam.  Thank you for sharing my obsession with westerns, grilling, and a thousand other things.  I'll always love you! - Lee Ann

A service and celebration of life will take place in the summer when it should be safer to be together.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  Inurnment in Silver Creek Cemetery, German Valley, Illinois.  Memorials to the family.  Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.