Clare W. Coots

Clare W. Coots of Belvidere, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27th, 2026, surrounded by family and in the loving care of Breezy and Jose Contreras in Scottsdale, Arizona.

He was born May 23rd, 1949, and graduated from Belvidere High School in 1967. Clare proudly served his country in the United States Army between 1969 and 1971 and served part of his time in Germany. After the Army, he joined an Apprenticeship Program and became a Journeyman Ironworker. He was a dedicated member of the Ironworkers Local 498 where he supported many projects including parts of the addition to Swedish American Hospital, the Byron Nuclear Plant, and even one of the schools his granddaughters attended. He also worked at the Byron Nuclear Plant with his brother Sonny Coots, where his strong work ethic earned him the respect of all who worked alongside him. He finished his career with Linden Industrial Services Co. and working as an independent contractor for several nuclear power plants. Beyond his successful career, he gave back to his community by serving as a board member for Belvidere Community School District 100.

He was an innate leader who supported and advised many generations of new employees with his specialized expertise. He took pride in being able to fix any problem and approached life with a quiet steady determination. If something needed fixing, Clare was the one to call.

Known for his intelligence and quick wit, Clare had a natural gift for connecting with people. He was truly a friend to all who he encountered. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: playing rounds of golf at Swan Hills golf course, solving sudoku puzzles, eating strawberry ice cream on brownies, watching classic TV, and playing games like cribbage, chess, and cards with friends. Clare had a special talent for storytelling, bringing smiles and laughter wherever he went - especially while sharing from his endless repertoire of jokes.

To those who knew him best, Clare was one of a kind. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched - in the laughter he shared, the problems he solved, and the unconditional love and support he gave without question.

Clare is lovingly survived by his three daughters, Amber Youngman, Chelsey Coots, and Brianne “Breezy” Contreras; his sons-in-law Jose Contreras and Erik Youngman; his five granddaughters, Arianna Contreras, Anika Youngman, Adilynn Contreras, Tessa Youngman, and Fiona Youngman; his two sisters, Mary Alice “Sam” Larson and Phillis Herzing; his partner, Roxi (Wenger) Coots; and his grand-dogs Meko and Evie. He was preceded in death by his parents Melvin W. “Stubb” Coots, Esther J. “Dolly” Coots, brother Melvin “Sonny” Coots, and sister Kathleen “Kathy" Herzing.

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff of Serenity Hospice of Illinois and Hospice of the Valley of Arizona for their extraordinary care and compassion.

Please join in celebrating the life of Clare on May 29th, 2026. Graveside service will be held at 3:00pm at the Belvidere Cemetery, with a celebration of life to follow at the Belvidere VFW Hall (1310 W. Lincoln Ave.) at 4:00pm. Please feel free to dress casually and consider wearing green in honor of Clare’s favorite color. All memorial contributions and gifts will be dedicated to supporting the creation of a golf memorial in the Belvidere area.