John S. Hood

John S. Hood, age 78, of Rockford, Illinois, peacefully passed away surrounded by family at U.W. Health in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday, July 4, 2025. He was born in Fosston, Minnesota to Donald and Shirley (Burt) Hood on August 2, 1946 and was raised in Lengby, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lengby. He attended high school in Fosston, Minnesota and graduated in 1964 and attended Bethany College in Mankato, Minnesota.

He married his high school sweetheart on July 2, 1966, Sharon Reierson at Kingo Lutheran Church, Fosston, Minnesota. He served in the Army from 1966 to 1968 and proudly fought in the Vietnam War. John worked as a carpenter and a salesman at S & S Sales until his retirement in 2016. He dedicated his retired life to serving veterans by working as the Quartermaster of the VFW of Loves Park, Illinois Post 9759.

John enjoyed woodworking, going outside in nature, and collecting guns. He liked entertaining friends and family at his house in the summer and then he and Sharon would snowbird in Arizona in the winters. John was well known for his cooking and baking skills, especially his apple crisp and the hot dishes he made up. He was so proud of his service to his country and instilled those values in his children and grandchildren. Most of all, John enjoyed spending time with his family, he was at every grandkids event, nothing came before his wife, kids, and grandkids.

John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon Hood; children, Rebecca (Kristopher) Stewart, Donald (Christina) Hood, and Vienna Aaby; grandchildren, Zachary (Ayni) Taylor, Chloe Stewart, Jason Stewart, Tyler Stewart, Ryan Klenz, Morgan (Bennett) Carr, Reis Klenz, Miranda Klenz, Olivia Hood, Ella Hood, Trevor Aaby, and Kailani Aaby; great-grandchildren, Dillon Carr and Hadleigh Carr; siblings, Nona Lindberg, Mary Lindberg, and Joel (Marilyn) Hood; sister-in-law, Mary Hood; along with numerous sister and brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Shirley Hood; brothers, James Hood and Jason Hood; brothers-in-law, Paul Fredrickson, Michael Lindberg, and Stephen Lindberg; and mother and father-in-law, Richard and Viola Reierson.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 am to 11:00 am on Friday, July 11 at Grace Lutheran Church, 343 Grand Ave, Loves Park, IL 61111 with a memorial service at 11:00 am. Military honors to follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Loves Park VFW Post 9759, 2018 Windsor Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111.