Richard "Dick" L. Osborne

Richard “Dick” Lee Osborne, 92, died January 19th 2022 at his home in Rockford, IL. He was born on June 17, 1929 in Rockford to Frank and Edith Osborne. Richard was a proud, life-long resident of Rockford where he attended East High School. Following his graduation, Richard joined the Navy and served for 4 years prior to returning to Rockford. He then completed his sheet metal apprenticeship, married Mary Lou Heimerdinger, his wife of 67 years, and ran his successful, proudly-union Osborne Sheet Metal for 31 years, with Mary working with him the final 11 years. Richard earned multiple awards due to his involvement in professional and service organizations, including: SMACNA, Mason with the Star in the East Lodge #166 and Shriners.
Upon retirement, Richard indulged in his favorite role-Grandpa to his six grandchildren. While he was still able to drive, Richard kept himself busy shuttling his grandsons around Rockford to and from school, making sure to stop for his favorite breakfast of Dunkin Donuts, as well as making daily trips to Lockwood Park to care for Pepe and Dandy, his favorite miniature donkeys. Richard touted himself to be a donkey whisperer, after he trained them to open their shed gate with their mouths.
Richard was a man of many interests and passionately pursued his hobbies throughout his life. Always an outdoorsman, Richard loved all fishing, especially Muskies, becoming an early adopter of the “catch and release” movement. His passion for hunting led him to raise and train field champion beagles. Richard also managed to find time to collect, tinker with, and race slot cars on his basement track. He proudly shared with visitors his collection of matchbooks that he gathered during his travels throughout his life.
Richard will be missed, but his larger than life persona, countless colorful and action filled stories, along with his “common sense” moral code will stay with the Osbornes for generations. Richard is survived by his wife, Mary Osborne; son, Steve (Debbie) Osborne; daughter, Linda (George) Rodewald; grandchildren, Aidan Osborne (Kallie Neumer), Colin Osborne (Morgan), and Liam Osborne (Alexis Hesselink); Leah Rodewald (Alex Carter), Mara Rodewald and Ella Rodewald; and sister, Sue Parker (Robert). Richard is predeceased by his parents; sister, Elizabeth Swenson and brother, David Osborne.
The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the staff of Peterson Meadows, Home Instead and ProMedica Hospice for their compassionate care and kindness.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, January 28 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford Il preceded by a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial to follow at Willwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to ProMedica (formerly Heartland) Hospice Memorial Fund, 6000 East State St., Rockford, Il 61108. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com