ROCHELLE — Michael John Cox, 65, passed away Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 at Loyola Hospital in Proviso Township, Illinois. Mike was born on Jan. 6, 1957 to Clifton C. and Velma J. (Harmon) Cox in Rockford. On June 7, 1980, he married Geralyn “Geri” Marie Kleparski in Rockford.

Mike enjoyed hobby farming and raising his goats and cows and bailing hay despite all the break downs. He also enjoyed restoring and collecting antique Cub Cadet lawn tractors. He could often be found at an auction where he was always looking for a good buy or treasure. In that same vein, he was an avid online deal seeker especially on Market Place and Craigslist. Mike loved hunting and fishing. He served on the Kings Elementary School Board and was the pack leader for Cub Scouts when his son, John, was growing up. He worked at Eaton Corporation for many years.

Mike was always very involved with family and loved ones. He wouldn’t hesitate to help with home improvement projects if he was asked to or not. He cherished his grandkids, attending their baseball, football games and dance recitals.

Mike is survived by his wife of 41 years, Geri of Rochelle; children: John (Julia) Cox of Rochelle, Lacy (David) Hansen of LaMoille and Lindsey (Michael) Cogar of South Beloit; two sisters: Melody (Gerald) Marynowski of Bedford, Indiana and Ritta (Brent) Stovall of Rockford; four grandchildren: Evelynn and Cody Cox, Harper and Tucker Hansen and his two dogs, Jake and Molly.

In addition to his parents, Mike is preceded in death by two sisters: Viola Olson and Charlotte Morrow.

There will be a celebration of Mike’s life at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Kings School for a buddy bench. Cremation care has been provided by the Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.