John Morton Rutherford, age 88, passed away on December 29, 2018. He was born on November 10, 1930 to John Morton Rutherford Jr. and Esther Zollinger. He grew up in Columbus, OH and graduated from Ohio State University. He served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army during the Korean War and arrived in Korea in time for the armistice between North and South Korea. John married Barbara Jean Askew on August 20, 1955 and they lived in Connecticut for several months due to his job training before moving to Glen Ellyn, IL where they raised their four children. John took night classes at Roosevelt University and became a CPA while working full time. John had a wide variety of interests, he was an avid reader, going to auctions to collect antiques, and attending his children's sporting events. John's love of reading included the Civil War and he amassed a large and high quality book collection that he donated to the Highland Community College library. He also enjoyed taking the family on road trips that always included some historic sites and antique shops.

After John retired, he and Barbara moved to their beloved "Rock House" in Apple River, IL in 1990. He quickly became involved in the county board politics and particularly nature conservation. He also became a passionate Green Bay Packers fan. They also founded Natural Area Guardians, as they felt strongly about preserving natural areas. This organization later evolved into the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (JDCF). John was on several boards in the county, including the Senior Center, the Natural Land Institute and the County Board. He became interested in Native American history and helped create and distribute a tourism map that included many local historic sites. In 2017 John and Barbara received the Nancy Hamill Winter Conservation Leadership Award from JDCF. John and Barbara were also active members of the Apple River United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his children, Bryn Davis (Paul) of Midlothian, VA, Jay (Libby) of Apple River, IL, Brad (Jillian) of Hansville, WA, and Darcy Renkens (Rick) of Suamico, WI; his grandchildren John (Te), Kevin Davis, Sarah Carole (Pascal), Emily Huss (Jonathan), Kenzie, Terefa, Peter Renkens (Kristyn), Sarah Dressel (Michael), Jason Renkens (Carly), and his eight great-grandchildren, Katie, Emily, Charlie, Jack, Hannah, Connor, Colin and Demmi. John was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and his brother-in-law William Frederick Suhring.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at the Apple River United Methodist Church in Apple River.

A visitation will be from 9:00 AM until time of services on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at the church.

The family would like to thank Dave and Sue Reynolds and Elizabeth Nursing Home.

A memorial has been established in John's name.