Jeffrey "Jeff" D. Lower

Jeffrey D. Lower, 53, of Machesney Park, IL, passed away peacefully, Saturday evening, April 11, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 13, 1972 in Rockford, IL, the son of David L. and Sandra J. (Bennett) Lower. He started working at Forest Hills Diamonds at the age of 13, where he started as a score keeper and worked his way up to USSSA director. Jeff graduated from Harlem High School, class of 1991, where he excelled in baseball. The team from 1990-1991 was inducted into the Harlem High School, wall of fame. He went on to obtain his Bachelor's Degree from Carthage College in 1995. He was employed by Core and Main for 30 years. Jeff married Kelley Preiss on September 10, 2011. Jeff enjoyed traveling with his family. He loved spending time down at the river, especially picnicking, boating and fishing. Jeff adored his son, Lucas. He loved watching Lucas play sports and sharing pointers with him.

Jeffrey is loved and missed by his wife, Kelley; son, Lucas; parents, David and Sandra; brother, Michael (fiance, Amber) Lower; nephew, Kane Lower; mother and father-in-law, Patsy and Ron Preiss; sister-in-law, Bethany (Abba) Preiss. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A special thank you to Bethany Preiss for being our family angel and supporting Jeff and Kelley with everything.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the family for a fund to be established for Lucas.

A visitation will be held 4:00-6:00 p.m., Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115 with a funeral service to begin at 6:00 p.m. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 2:30pm.