Vern Brian “Barney” Stockwell, age 67, of Rockford, IL passed away Monday, October 26, 2026 at home. He was born in Chicago, IL on November 25, 1958 to LaVern and Donna (Lloyd) Stockwell.

Barney was a 1976 graduate of Stockton High School. He went on to Highland Community College and Southern Illinois University where he received his Master’s Degree. He had worked as a Probation Officer, Nationwide ARM Program for 22 years and retired as a Social Worker. He was an avid runner and loved working out. Barney enjoyed golfing, riding motorcycles, boating, deer hunting, bicycling, target shooting, going to Woodman’s and eating Gyro’s and Guiseppe’s Pizza.

He is survived by his mother, Donna Stockwell; his nieces, Jody (Kevin) Bausic and Stephanie (Walter) Smalley; his nephews, Steve (Amy) Smith and Patrick (Christy) Dolin; his great nieces, Hannah, Kyla, Taya, Jennika and Kayla; his great nephews, Bryce, Walker, Liam and Landon; and his brother-in-law, Roger Smith. He was preceded in death by his father, LaVern; and his sisters, Deanna Smith and Diane (Palmer Jr.) Dolin.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026 at the Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established.