Music Composer from Lake Bluff Dies

Jon Keith Stocklin passed away Oct. 6 in Naples, Fla. He was born Jan. 11, 1944 in Chicago to Clifford and Alice Stocklin. The family moved to Lake Bluff in 1948. 

Jon attended Lake Bluff schools, and graduated from Lake Forest High School in 1962. He attended Southern Illinois University where he actively starting pursuing his musical career. 

Jon was a gifted musician and composer. His career started with a local college group called the NiteOwls. By the middle '60s and '70s Jon was lead guitar for the popular band Rotary Connection touring extensively and recording with Chess Records. Jon was very active in the local Chicago blues and rock culture. He joined Big Twist and the Mellow Fellows as rhythm guitarist. He had great success as a composer and is most notably remembered for the song "Want You To Know." 

Loving survivors include his wife Sandra Dee Stocklin; children Alex Dee (Maureen Ryan), Sara Dee (Chandos Irwin); grandchildren Alyssa and Danielle Dee, and Iris and Arlo Irwin. He is also survived by his mother Alice Stocklin, sisters Kristin Welu (John), Marne Holstein (Edward), Felisa Donlon (Peter), and brother Mark Stocklin (Leslie); nieces Kristin Gish (Gregory), Lindsey Anderson (Matthew), Brooke McCloskey (Brian), Jennifer Kelch (Robert); nephews E. Stephen Holstein and Grover Patrick Donlon; and six great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Clifford Lind Stocklin and older brother Eric Stocklin. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Jon’s name may be made to an organization of one's choice.

— Wenban Funeral Home