Isaac T. Smith

Isaac T. “Cheeseman Ike” Smith, 70, of Loves Park, IL, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving children. Born on February 12, 1954, to Thomas Sr. and Violet (Wermager) Smith, Ike brought laughter into the lives of all who knew him. Ike grew up in Loves Park and attended Harlem High School, where his charismatic personality and sense of humor made him unforgettable. On April 15, 1978, he married the love of his life, Pamela Byl, and together they raised three children.  He was a proud member of Breakthrough Church.

Ike had a natural gift for connecting with people, a talent that served him well in his many careers. Whether as a salesman—earning his iconic nickname “Cheeseman Ike” while selling cheese and sausage in the Rockford area—or as a dedicated Correctional Officer and Dispatcher for the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department and 911 Call Center. He also brought his passion and care to the Rockford Park District and various security roles, always leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. Known for his larger-than-life presence, Ike could light up any room with his humor, towering stature, and magnetic charm. He was a history enthusiast, a lover of animals, and proud to have raised and loved many dog companions over the years. An aviation enthusiast, Ike achieved a lifelong dream by taking his first solo flight in a blue and white Cessna 152 and cherished sharing his love of the skies with his children, and taking pride in having taken all three children in multiple airplane flights.  Music was another of Ike’s many passions. He embraced all genres, sang karaoke, and played multiple instruments, including the tuba, keyboard, guitar, and harmonica. Whether telling a story, cracking a joke, or singing a song, Ike had a gift for making people smile and laugh.

Ike’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He is deeply loved and missed by his children, Chani (Brian) Ciccone, Andrea (Alejandro) Arteaga, and Jordan Smith; his grandchildren, Katie, Devin, Alejandro, Kara, Jordan, Emily, Dylan, Neiko, and Ryker; and his great-grandchild, Alejandro. He will also be fondly remembered by the mother of his children, Pam Smith; his siblings, Dallas Smith, Rhonda Smith, Steven Smith, and Thomas Smith; countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and special cousin, Sonja (Sug) Gulotta. Ike is reunited in Heaven with his parents; his sisters-in-law, Linda and Mary Smith; nephew, Shane Smith; numerous friends and cherished dogs who brought him so much joy. Ike’s legacy is the love he had for his children, grandchildren and giving us the gift of laughter.

Visitation will be from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Sunday, January 19, 2025 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, IL 61111.  Funeral service will be at 10:30am on Monday, January 20, also in the funeral home.  Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Machesney Park, IL. 

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