Julie A. Buchmann

Julie A. Buchmann, 74, of Rockford, passed away peacefully, July 12, 2017 in her home with her family at her side. Born May 14, 1943 in Rockford, the daughter of John F. & Ruth E. (Keegan) Hesler. Julie lived all her life in Rockford. She graduated West High School, class of 1961, then earned her BS in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1969 and her Master’s in Education from National Louis University in 1988. Julie worked for the Rockford Public Schools as a Special Education teacher from 1969 until her retirement. Julie married Frank J. Buchmann in Rockford on June 19, 1965 at the Cathedral of St. Peter. She was an active member of the parish, specifically with the St. Anne Society where she held the position of Secretary for many years. Julie was named Catholic Woman of the Year for the Cathedral of St. Peter in 2008. President of the Y’s Senior Women’s Club. Member of the Rockford University Club. She was also a member of the Cathedral of St. Peter Choir where she shared her beautiful voice with her parish family. Member of Rockford Choral Union’s annual presentation of the Handel’s Messiah. Julie volunteered at and supported Northern Illinois Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and was a member of their Stars of Light Theatre Troupe.
She will be remembered for her great spirit, contagious humor and love for her golden doodle, Harry Caray.
Survivors include husband of 52 years Frank; children John B. (Brenda Gustafson) Buchmann of Rockford and Katherine E. (Jason) Tillmann of Tucson, AZ; sisters Margret (Richard) Hynes and Jane Hesler all of Rockford; sisters-in-law Kathie (Skip) Mattison and Marie (David) Mattison; brother-in-law Tom Buchmann; Several cousins, nieces, nephews and special neighbors, the Furst family. She is preceded in death by her parents, dear friends Mary Petersen, Marilynn Ginestra, and Cousin Anne.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Vincent Racanelli and his staff for all their care and support.
Funeral Mass will be 10:30a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2017 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church Street, Rockford, IL 61103. The family will receive guests Friday, July 21st from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a rosary recited at 6:45 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103 and from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass on Saturday at the Cathedral of St. Peter. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made, in her name, to either the Stars of Light c/o NAMI Northern Illinois PO Box 6971, Rockford, IL 61125 or St. Anne Society, c/o Cathedral of St. Peter. To express online condolences please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.