Rosemary "Rose" A. Pyfer

Saturday morning, May 4, 2024, an angel from heaven gently took Rose by the hand leading her to be reunited with her husband LeRoy after 42 years. When asked why she never remarried, “I had the best the first time, and I don’t have the time to break in a new one.”

Rose would always have the radio tuned into Chicago Cubs ball games back from the days of Ernie Banks and Ferguson Jenkins. Watching little tike Grandson Dayne learn to ice skate and eventually play goalie for the Rockford Icemen, she became a strong Chicago Blackhawks fan as well. She would turn down the TV sound and listen to the radio for play-by-play action. Listening to the radio, she didn’t need to watch the games, as she allowed her theater of the mind to know what was taking place.

Rose had no problem loading up her van for a road trip to distant places for bluegrass festivals and hotels that were never used.  Whoa be to the one who called them folk songs! She befriended a few groups, becoming their extended grandmother to their children who played instruments right along with the adults. When asked how she found the places, she told them, I have a map and know how to read it.

Her love for the grandchildren and trying to stay abreast of them all was a large task. She loved the funny exchange of cards with Andy and the daily jokes back and forth with Wyatt as they seemed to find her sense of humor bone. Her last joke shared with Wyat the evening before passing was such a joyous time for her. She loved her grand dogs to pieces, in fact Oscor the Boston Terrier grand dog is going with her today. Every time Jimbo would call her, she was on the phone to update us and reminisce about all of his stories with Grandpa LeRoy. 

She was a long-time member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, she had a deep appreciation for Pastor Rub. 

Rose is survived by her three children, Dan (Kathy) Pyfer, Jim (Helen) Pyfer, and Jerry (Cindy) Pyfer; and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Leroy. 

Rose’s family is incredibly grateful to United Hospice, and her team of nurses, Konnie, Maria, and Kayla. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, Mulford Chapel. A funeral service will take place following the visitation at 11:00 a.m. Burial is to follow at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Please share condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.