Johnne Papke

Johnne Papke, 69, of Rockford, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Rockford Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with rheumatoid arthritis. She was born January 31, 1947 in Dearborn, MI the daughter of the late John and Margaret Lenard. There she met and married Norbert Papke on October 25, 1968. She worked for the Rockford Public Schools as a librarian where she shared her love of books with those around her. She had a passion for gardening, knitting and loved spending time with her children and most especially her grandchildren. Johnne will be remembered for her kind and caring nature and left an indelible touch on whom she met. She is survived by Norbert; three children, Bart (Stacy) Papke, Jennifer (Jason) King and Chad (Somer) Papke; four grandchildren, Thomas Papke, Jackson Papke, Grayson Papke and Emily Papke; sister, Jane (Victor) Spear and nephews, Mike (Peg) Spear and Steve Spear. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at Scandinavian Cemetery, 1700 Rural St. Rockford, IL. Memorials may be made directly to the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org/donate honors and memorials section. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford chapel is assisting the family. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com