William Owen Jonas Osborne

The world has lost someone beautiful, someone good, someone who brought joy to all he met. On Tuesday, March 28th, 2023, our beloved son, Owen, peacefully departed this earth. While his time with us was too short, his journey has just begun. As we mourn our loss, it is with great faith and courage to know that with Jesus by his side, Owen is now on his path to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Owen was born in Carbondale, IL to proud parents, Bill and Sara. A gift from God, he was absolutely loved and welcomed. He lived his early years in southern Illinois and then in Tennessee before eventually moving to Rockford, IL. Recently, he found work and friends and moved to Minneapolis, MN.

Owen was fortunate to travel and see many places. He loved the city of Chicago and swimming in Lake Michigan. He got excited for trips with his "Nanu" going to such places as the Grand Canyon, Bermuda, Alaska, beaches in Florida, and to China. He loved being at home with family as well. Whether it be "family pizza parties" or the annual Cherry Valley Fourth of July bike parade, Owen loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpa. Every summer, he would spend as much time as he could in their pool and in Grandma's garden.

Owen had a zest for life, a natural curiosity for the world around him. He loved to hike the Forest Preserves and the many trails near his grandparent's house. He loved to kayak and tube down the Kishwaukee River and explore the flora and wildlife that was all around. He had an instinct and ability to find snakes, birds, beaver, and all sorts of animals on his hikes. He was especially proud of his "own" creek that ran through his Nanu's yard. He would spend all day down there with his dog, Peanut.

Owen loved writing, poetry, good food, and music. He was gentle and caring. He loved being there for friends when they were going through difficult times. When he faced his own hard times, he never complained or asked "why me?". Owen was becoming more wise and confident and had an enthusiasm for what lay ahead.

Owen is survived by his parents, Bill Osborne and Sara Osborne; grandparents, Bill and Daina Osborne, Jan Fromm; uncles Ian Fromm, Mike Heaslip, Jason Osborne, Brandon Correa; aunts, Robin Dailey, Kristi Correa, Lisa Osborne; cousins, Ethan Fromm, Sebastian Heaslip, Emmi and Ben Correa, Alex, Emmett, and Stella Osborne; numerous second cousins and great aunts and uncles whom Owen loved dearly. A special mention to Katy Metzler and Suzy Osborne whom Owen looked up to and adored when he was young.

Owen is predeceased by his grandfather, Michael Fromm; great-grandparents, Bill and Rose Osborne, Jonas and Emma Bielskis; great-uncles, Steve Osborne, Larry Osborne, Mark Turley.

A very heart-felt recognition of gratitude to the staff at Hennepin County Medical Center for all their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, we ask you to donate to any of the many organizations supporting mental health and addiction.

A public visitation will be on Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 10:00 am - 12:30 pm at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. A Time of Sharing will follow the visitation, starting at 12:30 pm. Burial will be in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Please share memories and condolences online.