John Hardy

John (JohnZ) Raymond Hardy, 74, of Belvidere, passed away in Rockford on January 9, 2023. He was born December 22, 1948, in the Johnson Creek, Wisconsin area, but more specifically Watertown Hospital, to Jay and Jacquiline Hardy. They moved to Spring Valley, Minnesota, and later to Belvidere, IL, in 1962. John played the trombone in the school bands until he graduated from Belvidere High School in 1967. As a young man John was a road manager for Belvidere's rock band “The Esquires”in the Belvidere and Champaign, IL areas. He returned to Belvidere to pursue his higher education; graduating from Rock Valley College and Rockford College. He was employed at Green Giant facility for 25 years working in many areas, ending as a shift supervisor. He moved on to Fellowes Manufacturing in Itasca, IL, retiring after 20 years, allowing him to pursue his passion for American history and family genealogy. He is survived by his brother Jim (Leslie) Hardy; nieces, Emily (Matt Martenson) and Jessica (Josh) Kasper with grand-nephew, Kace Kasper; brother-in-law, George Wienrank.  Predeceased by his parents, sister, JoAnn Wienrank.  A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023, from 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. at the Boone County Museum of History, 314 S. State Street, Belvidere, IL 61008. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the Boone County Museum, or Boone County Council of Aging.  Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 712 Windsor Road, Loves Park, Illinois 61111. StatelineCremations.com