John Allen Trimble, 85 of Dakota, passed away suddenly on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, after a short illness.

Born April 1, 1939, in Seward, Ill., he always liked to joke that he was "born a fool and stayed one all his life". He was the tenth of eleven children born to Harry and Bessie Mae (Frank) Trimble.

As a child, he fought a horrible battle with polio. After a couple years of hospitalization and therapy, he fully recovered.  That childhood experience solidified his sense of determination in life.

After graduating from Dakota High School in 1958, he went to work at Barber-Colman Company in Rockford. He worked there until 1963. That year, he and friend Larry Lestikow partnered together to start J&L Garage in Dakota. The pair owned and operated the garage until 1983. During that period, John became known for not only his skills as a mechanic, but also his kindness to others. The garage was a popular gathering place for many years, and John enjoyed talking with friends and neighbors while working and telling a story or two of his own. Through that time many memories were created for himself and many others.

After selling the garage, he went to work as Maintenance Engineer for Pleasant View Cheese Factory in Rock City (now Berner Foods) and Illini Protein (now Devon Soy). He was there until his retirement in 2009.

John also served as Tax Assessor for Rock Grove and Dakota townships, taking over the position from his late father-in-law, Jack Keister, in 1985. He became a Certified Illinois Assessing Officer, undergoing regular classes to maintain the certification. He transitioned from tax assessor to a position on the Stephenson County Board of Review, where he served until his death.

On June 8, 1985, he married Maryann (Keister) DeHaven at the Church by the Side of the Road, in Rockton. At that time, he also happily took over the role of dad to her daughter, Michelle DeHaven.

John and Maryann made many fond memories over the year. They especially enjoyed their many trips to Door County Wis. and Mackinac Island, Mich.; and one of their favorite things to do was taking long drives along the back roads through the hills of Carroll and Jo Daviess Counties and along the Mississippi River.

In his younger years, John was an avid bowler, playing in several Freeport leagues. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing with friends. He often talked about the "big fish" he caught while fishing in Canada. He was also a big sports fan and avid follower of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bears, the Fighting Illini, NCAA basketball, and all area high school teams. He shared his love of sports with his daughter, Michelle, especially that of NCAA basketball, and he was an "extra proud dad" during the few years she worked with the Chicago Cubs minor league system.

John was an avid reader of books on history, sports, and biographies and especially enjoyed this hobby after years of working. Also, after retirement, he was able to enjoy more time visiting and playing cards with friends, and he greatly enjoyed his monthly "Lunch Bunch" gatherings with a group of high school friends.

John is survived by his wife, Maryann, of Dakota. His stepdaughter, Michelle (Bruce) DeHaven Quast of Rockford. Two step-grandsons, Matthew (Amanda) Quast and daughter Natalee, of Grove City, Penn., and Samuel (Faith) Quast of Bloomington, Ill. Additionally, he is survived by two sisters, Margery Rose of Pecatonica and Carol Elaine Beazly of Monticello, Ill., one sister-in-law, Carol (Roger) Trimble of Brookfield, Wis., and many nieces and nephews and their families. His granddog, Jackie – who he called Hound Dog #1 – will especially miss his ear scratches.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, three brothers, two nieces, five nephews, and his mother-and-father-in-law, Jack and Mary Keister.

Funeral arrangements were made by Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Dakota; cremation rights were accorded and at his request, no visitation or funeral will occur. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. The family has established a memorial in his name, funds from which will be used to make donations to organizations throughout the area.

"Big John", as he was known by many, was a very special man, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.