William I. Guthrie

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Guthrie on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the age of 86. Billwas born to Harold and Emilie Guthrie and raised on the family farm in Tomah, Wisconsin. He graduated from Tomah High School in 1 957, then moved to Rockford, Illinois, shortly after, to live near his older sisters.

He began his career at the age of 1 9 as a heavy equipment operator with Gregory Anderson. A master of his craft and highly sought after for his talent, Billwas a long-time member of the Midwest Operating Engineers, Local 150, and worked for Rockford Blacktop for many years, until he retired.

Bill proudly served his country in the National Guard. He enjoyed working outdoors, mowing on his John Deere tractors (and everything else he could paint John Deere green and yellow) and helping his wife tend their garden on their property in Rockton, Illinois. He was a talented woodworker and played the accordion (with some coaxing).

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Carol A. Guthrie; daughter - Andrea Guthrie; two sisters - Eileen Gifford and Carolyn (John) Hook; three grandchildren - Ashley Guthrie, Amanda (Tim Gross) Tyrrell, Ryan (Ali) Tyrrell; six great grandchildren - McKenah Tyrrell, Madelyn Whaples, Matthew Tyrrell, Zeke Tyrrell, Shea Tyrrell, Owen Tyrrell; son in law - Kenneth Tyrrell; along with many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him.

In addition to his parents, Harold and Emilie, Bill was preceded in death by three brothers - Harold Jr. Guthrie, Myron Guthrie, and Raymond Guthrie; sister - Elaine Ulrich; daughter - Tammy Tyrrell; and his first wife, Sandra.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Honquest Family Funeral Home, located at 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, Illinois. Immediately following the visitation, please join us for lunch from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Sam's Ristorante & Pizzeria located at 6075 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, IL 61114.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Bill's memory to the Beloit Regional Hospice, whose professionalism, empathy, and first-rate care of Bill were appreciated.

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