Terence “Terry” L. Kobernat, 62, of Winnebago, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 8, 2022. Terry was born October 8, 1960 in Japan to James and Janet Kobernat. He grew up and lived in Rockford, later moving to Winnebago.
Terry loved the grocery store business, and first started working at Charles Street Certified. He also learned the fencing business while working for one of his best friend’s dad, Larry Holcomb at LJ Holcomb & Son. He would later open his own store, Ken Rock Grocery, while working under the Castrogiavanni family as a manager at Hilander. Always chasing hard work and wanting to be his own boss, Terry started his own business, Arrow Fence Company, which he operated for nearly 25 years before he sold the business and semi-retired in 2020.
He was a long-time member of Berean Baptist Church of Rockford in his early years, and having attended other churches through the years, he most recently was a faithful attender of Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley. We take comfort that he is resting with his Savior and we will see him again one day through salvation in Christ.
In retirement, Terry continued to work and do what he always did best which was to help others. He loved Southern gospel music, Oldsmobiles, and grocery store related antiques. He looked forward to weekly ping pong in Pecatonica with his buddies, and Saturday Rook games with his siblings. He loved going antiquing, watching Sunday football, and dinners dates at Anthony’s in Lake Geneva with his fiancée Jan.
Terry poured twenty years into maintaining and preserving the beautiful Old Stone House on Edwardsville Road in Winnebago. He enjoyed building the Moccasin Hollow General Store with his friend Charles Johnson. His life’s passion was helping others, blessing so many with countless acts of anonymous generosity. He never wanted anything in return and would say “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”.
Most in life, Terry cherished his children and had absolute love for his grandchildren. He was always there when they needed him.
He will be remembered also for his shoulder taps, his quirky quotes, Eisenhower dollars to hand out to kids and always having a tootsie roll in his pocket.
Terry is survived by his fiancée Jan Foust, children Melissa (Jared) Smith, Hannah (Colin) Kirk, and Matthew Kobernat (Amanda Lavicka), grandchildren Dylan, Madelyn, Emmalyn, Carolyn, and Toby, and siblings Linda Erickson, Jim Kobernat, Curtis Kobernat, and Jeff Kobernat as well as numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, James and Janet Kobernat, brother Joe Kobernat, brother-in-law Carl Erickson and father-n-law Toby Whitehead.
The family would like to express our immense gratitude to Terry’s best friend Danny Green. From collecting sports cards, playing basketball, working together, and “mixing ‘crete”, Danny has been a loyal friend.
A visitation and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 17th, 2022, from 12-3pm at the Berean Baptist Church, 5626 Safford Road, Rockford Beginning at 1:30, there will be an opportunity to share memories and stories. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask for memorials to be made to Riverside Bible Camp (Camp Riverside) in Amherst, Wisconsin.
Arrangements by Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.
Previous Events
Celebration of Life
17
Dec
5626 Safford Rd.
Rockford, IL 61101
Beginning at 1:30, there will be an opportunity to share memories and stories.
