Kerry Nyen

Kerry Nyen, 67, of Roscoe, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Javon Bea Hospital. He was born on Tuesday, February 24, 1959, in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Raymond and DoraLee (Addington) Nyen.

A North Boone High School graduate, Kerry dedicated 27 years of his career at Ingersoll Milling Machine Company as a mechanical supervisor. In 1995, he married the love of his life, Kathy, building a beautiful life together. Kerry was an incredibly talented musician, playing old-time country and bluegrass on his guitar, mandolin, and fiddle alongside his father and uncle in The Nyen Nordic Band.

To know Kerry “Ninja” or “Chiefy” was to know a man full of life, music, and laughter. Kerry’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. Every holiday and random weekends were an opportunity for telling stories, playing music, and sharing endless laughs - he was effortlessly the life of the party.

Though he left this life far too soon, he packed it with unforgettable memories. You could often find him cruising in his '73 'Cuda, watching drag racing, rooting for the Green Bay Packers, or simply enjoying retirement with Kathy and their dog, Elly Mae. Even in his passing, Kerry's giving spirit lived on; as a proud organ and tissue donor, he changed the lives of over fifty people.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Kyle (Cassandra Hayes) and Kaylyn (Lance Schultz); his grandchildren, Ryan and Brody; his siblings, April (Tom) Giamalva, Raelene (Fred) Hann, Laura Johnson (Jamie Leopold), and Eric (Amanda) Nyen; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

Kerry was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Jorri Johnson.

Family and friends will gather to honor Kerry’s life on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a funeral service immediately following at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Willowbrook Cemetery in Roscoe, Illinois. The family welcomes you to join us at the Roscoe VFW, 11385 2nd Street, Roscoe, Illinois, to celebrate the life of Kerry Nyen starting at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Kerry's honor.