Obituary of Joseph William Rushforth

Joseph William Rushforth 94. of Winthrop Harbor, passed away peacefully April, 28, 2017, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. 

Joseph was born May 10, 1922 in Chicago, IL, to the late John and Anna (nee Czyrt) Rushforth.  Joseph moved to Zion, IL as a child and was orphaned at a young age. He was fortunate to find a loving home with the Hagelberger family of Zion, with whom he resided during his elementary and secondary school-aged years.

Upon graduation from Zion-Benton Township High School, Joseph attended Northern Illinois State Teachers College in DeKalb, IL, now known as Northern Illinois University (NIU). While attending NIU, he excelled as an athlete in football and baseball.
After completing two years of college, Joseph was enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps. He served with the Marine Air Corps supporting the Marines in the Pacific War.

Following his military discharge, Joseph returned to NIU to complete his Bachelor of Education degree. During this time, he married his college sweetheart, Nancy Durkee, on August 24, 1946, at St. Patrick’s Parish in Hartland, IL. Joseph and Nancy enjoyed 70 years of marriage and were blessed with a family of four daughters and three sons.

Joseph started his career as a high school industrial arts/physical education teacher/coach in Warren, IL.  He continued his career at Zion-Benton Township High School District 126, teaching a variety of courses and coaching football and wrestling. He obtained his Master of School Administration degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL and subsequently became Superintendent of Winthrop Harbor School District 1.  Joseph was proud and fond of his years as an educator and school administrator, retiring after 36 years in education.

Joseph, known to all as Joe, was an avid storyteller.  He enjoyed sharing his many stories with friends and family.  During his retirement years, he loved working outdoors doing yard work; spending time with family and friends; being involved in local affairs; and watching NIU Huskies and Chicago Bears football games.

Joe enjoyed mentoring and coaching the youth, serving his community, and helping those in need.  Over the years, Joe was involved in many local civic organizations and served as a one-term Mayor of the Village of Winthrop Harbor in the mid-1980’s.  Joe and Nancy were founding members of Our Lady of Humility Catholic Church in Beach Park, IL.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Nancy (Durkee), and his children:  Michael (Cynthia) Rushforth of Sarasota, FL; Terriann (Terrence) Barry of Bay Village, OH; Joseph (Kim) Rushforth of Libertyville, IL; Daniel (Karilyn) Rushforth of Winthrop Harbor, IL; Mary (Nicholas) Boryc of Naperville, IL; and Patricia (Bernard) Chamernik of Naperville, IL; thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by infant daughter, Kathleen; his parents; his brother, Raymond Rushforth; and his sisters; Mary Arms and Margaret Friedel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Our Lady of Humility Catholic Church, 10655 W. Wadsworth Rd, Beach Park, IL, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass.  Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to organizations that foster help and support to children and public education.