Rory Liam Beggin

Rory Liam Beggin, The Red King, let go of his father's hand and joined his mother in Heaven on January 30, 2023. He was born on March 5, 1968 to Robert and Madonna (Dittmar) Beggin in Freeport and made the world a better place for all who knew him. He was fortunate to participate in a variety of early childhood programs, which enriched his ability to learn. He then attended Freeport Public Schools and was guided by many teachers who continued to push him to reach his potential. During his high school years he was part of the STEP work program that allowed him to receive job experiences. His favorite placement was at Micro Switch, alongside his dad and Uncle Jim. Rory graduated from FHS in 1989 and worked at several jobs, including Little Caesars where he was once named Employee of the Year. When that closed, he joined the Environmental Department at FHN, a job he treasured during his 21 year tenure. He rode his bike to work every day and took great pride in the fact he was working in the place where he was born and where his mom had worked as a nurse. Many employees and patients alike knew Rory by the beautiful songs he sang while working. He would greet everyone with his wonderful smile and help wherever he was needed. Rory received a Partners in Excellence Award from FHN and was able to take a Keyboarding class at Highland College. He was very proud that he had taken a college class and spent many hours honing his typing skills to write letters and keep data for his family. At his retirement in May of 2019, hundreds of employees, from the CEO to hospital volunteers, waited in line for over an hour just to wish Rory good luck. Rory wasn't all about work, he loved sports and competing, ready to challenge anyone to a game of HORSE, checkers or pool. He was a talented swimmer and water skier who especially loved showing off his butt drops at Apple Canyon Lake, a place of many wonderful family events. The Special Olympics also offered him an opportunity to win hundreds of medals for swimming, volleyball, basketball, track and field, and downhill skiing. Rory would show off the medals to his nieces and nephews, but was quick to tell them that any ribbons he received, were thrown away! He was also chosen to throw out the first ball at Freeport Night in Milwaukee when the Brewers played the Sox. Rory never let the fact that he had Down Syndrome stand in his way of living life to the fullest and participated in a variety of organizations to bring awareness for the rights of disabled people. He was a board member at Malcolm Eaton Enterprises, President of People First of Freeport, on the committee for the Americans with Disabilities Act and even spoke at the ARC of Illinois convention. He was also an altar boy and choir member at St Thomas Aquinas Church. Rory is the inspiration to his large and loving family. He is survived by his father Robert and siblings Erin (Steve) Altheide and daughter Emma Altheide, Shawn Beggin and sons Lucas (Kim) Beggin and Zachary (Billie) Beggin, Joseph (Connie) Beggin and sons Matthew (Maureen) Stukenberg and Andrew (Katie) Beggin, Brendan (Stacy) Beggin and children Allison Beggin and Bryce Beggin, Moira "Maime" (Todd) Curry and children Kelsey (Kody) Grove, Collin Curry and Clare Curry. He is also survived by 11 great nieces and nephews and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Rory was preceded in death by his mother Madonna and a sister Mary. Rory also leaves behind three caregivers who helped him through each day - Gwen Bodie, Chris Brokhausen and Arielle Naranjo. Without their help and the wonderful Hospice nurses, especially Sherry Haijenga, Rory would not have been able to stay at his home and be surrounded by his family until the end of his journey. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to - Special Olympics, ARC of Illinois, FHN Foundation and Hospice of NW Illinois. Services will be at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home on Thursday, February 2 with a Rosary starting at 4:30 pm and visitation from 5:00-8:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be Friday February 3, 2023 held at St Thomas Aquinas Church at 10:30 am. With a visitation from 9:30 am until the time of service. Previous Events Rosary Service FEB 2. 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM (CT) Burke Tubbs Funeral Home- Freeport 504 N. Walnut Street Freeport, IL 61032 https://burketubbs.com Loading map Visitation FEB 2. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CT) Burke Tubbs Funeral Home- Freeport 504 N. Walnut Street Freeport, IL 61032 https://burketubbs.com Loading map Visitation FEB 3. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (CT) St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 1400 Kiwanis Drive Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map Funeral Mass FEB 3. 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (CT) St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 1400 Kiwanis Drive Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map