Carl Rozelle

Carl Rozelle was born October 8, 1928 in Kellogg, Idaho to Benjamin F. and Delia Adeline (Dahme) Rozelle, the youngest of four children and passed away Friday, December 2, 2016 in Rockford, Illinois.
He spent his youth in Couer d'Alene, Idaho and at the age of 17, with his mother's permission, he joined the U.S. Army Air Force and worked as an airplane mechanic. While stationed in Salina, Kansas he met his future wife, Naleta Mae McGee of Smith Center, Kansas. They were united in marriage on November 29, 1949 in Couer d'Alene, Idaho. To this union were born two sons, Richard Earl and Randy Lee. The family then moved to Salina, Kansas whereupon Carl began his career with Southwestern Bell Telephone as a lineman. He worked his way up the company hierarchy and retired as a district supervisor over a major portion of central Kansas before retiring in 1984. Carl and Naleta enjoyed their retirement years dividing their time between homes in Salina, Kansas and Mesa, Arizona. One of Carl's great passions was playing golf, which he was able to do year round during his retirement. His greatest joys were his two grandsons and he gave them such great memories taking them on vacations all over the western half of the United States in a small travel trailer and playing golf with them and his son, Randy, whenever possible.
After the passing of his first wife, Carl was blessed to find love again. He and Bonnie B. (Church) Hildreth were united in marriage on December 4, 2008 in Mesa, Arizona and divided their time between homes in Mesa, Arizona and Rockford, Illinois. They enjoyed their years together with friends and family.
Left to mourn his passing and to celebrate his life are his wife, Bonnie of the home; son Randy and wife, Debra, of Lenexa, Kansas; grandsons Jeff and wife Amy of Lenexa, Kansas, and Greg and wife Cara of Shawnee, Kansas; great granddaughters Allison and Maya of Lenexa, Kansas; sister Betty Pettit of Phoenix, Arizona. Extended family includes Jackie Hildreth of Mesa, Arizona; Terry and husband Mike Groncki of Roscoe, Illinois; Beth and husband Shane Boger and their daughters, Claire and Elise of Rockford, Illinois; and Jessica and husband Marc Gorski and their children Gwen and Owen of Mesa, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his first wife, parents, brother Walter Rozelle, half brother John Rozelle, and his son, Richard Earl.
The family especially thanks the nurses, staff and Chaplain Roland Brown of Northern Illinois Hospice for their assistance, care and compassion during our loved one's final days.
According to his wishes, cremation rites were accorded. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. – Send online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com