Jeffrey L. Newlin
Former Rochester resident, Mr. Jeffrey L. Newlin, passed away after a brief illiness, Wednesday, March 9, 2016 in his Schererville home.
In Robinson, Ill. February 8, 1955, Jeffrey Lee was born. He was the treasured son of James L. and Donna Sue Mikeworth Newlin. Growing up he shared his childhood with two sisters. With great Fighting Tartar pride, Jeff graduated in 1973 from Fairbury Cropsey High School, in Fairbury, Ill. He continued his formal education at the University of Kentucky. While at UK Jeff was a proud fraternity brother of the men of Phi Gamma Delta. He regarded them as blood brothers enjoying the camaraderie they shared.
At the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rochester, Jeff and Carol J. Molinaro were married November 27, 1976. From their union came three wonderful children: Lesley, Melissa and Jim. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of three grandchildren. They separated after a number of years, but remained life long friends.
An avid sportsman, Jeff enjoyed hunting rabbits and squirrel. In his early years he perfected his hunting technique at his grandmother’s out on the farm. To relax he enjoyed shooting pool or playing risk or rummy. Jeff was accomplished, mastering the game of chess.
An animal lover and a friend to all animals, Jeff cared for the dogs and cats like family throughout his life. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners.
Left to cherish Jeff’s memory are two daughters: Lesley Klauk and husband Alec of Flossmore, Ill.; Melissa Huffman and husband Aaron of Villa Park, Ill.; a son: James Lee Newlin and girlfriend Amanda Perryman of Bensenville, Ill.; his parents: James and Donna Newlin of Rochester; three grandchildren: Aidan Klauk, Bennett Klauk, Lily Huffman; two sisters: Julie Wagoner and husband Larry of Auburn; Lori Frounfelter and husband Dr. D.J. of Rochester; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceding Jeff in death are his former wife, Carol Newlin on March 6, 2011; grandparents Byrl and Agnes Newlin, and Joe and Lola Mikeworth.
A celebration of the life of Jeffrey Lee Newlin will be at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 at Grace United Methodist Church, 201 West 7th St., Rochester with Pastor Kerry O’Brien officiating. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (https://www.stjude.org)
The Good Family Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made to Jeff’s family at www.goodfamilyfh.com