Frank E Hotchkin, 74, of Rockford Illinois passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, July 28, 2021 with family at his side. A native of Chicago, IL, he was born on May 8, 1947. He graduated from Lindblom High School a year early and then completed a Mechanical and Electrical engineering apprenticeship program at Illinois Institute of Technology. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years where he was an escape and evasion specialist during the Vietnam war. He married his sweetheart, Doris Short, on August 25, 1976 in Rockford, IL. Frank owned and operated his own business as a machine repair service specialist for over 16 years. Prior to that, he was employed by Rockford Machine Tool, White Sunstrand, and W. A. Whitney. He obtained numerous certifications in his specialties adding to his expertise as a field service engineer. Frank was a lifelong learner, storyteller, and adventurer. He loved taking his grandchildren and wife on trips to museums, train stations, state parks, and even private airplane rides. He loved animals, especially dogs, and was always quick to rescue them and provide them a wonderful home. He also had a fondness for polar bears and supported their cause through donation and sponsorship. He and Doris traveled to Churchhill, Manitoba, Canada on vacation hoping to see some during their trip. Frank was very handy and took pride in his creative home maintenance and repair solutions. He was able to remember a vast array of random facts, had a photographic memory, and liked watching shows that tested this knowledge. He and Doris enjoyed binge watching Netflix series and staying connected with family through social media. Frank was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and he will truly be missed. A special acknowledgement of Dr. Altayeh for his care, compassion, and collaboration throughout Frank’s illness and sincere gratitude to the exceptional nurses who supported and guided his journey.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Doris; daughter, Louise (Chad) Hauser, grandchildren, Amanda (Kris) Ouellette, Justin (Erin) Hauser, Stephanie (Kara) Fitterer, Callie (Dylan) Griffin, Paul Hauser, Rabecca Hauser, and great-grandson, Dawson Griffin. He was preceded in death by his parents and youngest daughter, Paula Fitterer.
A memorial gathering will be held from 4-5 pm with a time of sharing and service to start at 5 pm on Monday, August 9, 2021 at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 West State St, Rockford, IL 61102.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family.
