FREEPORT — Rosalie (“Rosy”) A. Park, 86, of Freeport, IL, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024 at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford, IL. She was born June 10, 1938 in Forreston, IL, the daughter of Onne A. and Laura (Ocken) DeWall. On June 7, 1975 she married Rev. Paul Park at Forreston Reformed Church in Forreston, IL. Paul passed away December 29, 2019.
Rosy was a 1956 graduate of Forreston High School and 1960 graduate of Central College, Pella, IA where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1970, she received her Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Rockford College. While teaching school in the Mt. Morris school district as an elementary teacher and reading specialist, she met her husband Paul. After a 20-year teaching career, she transitioned to working in Lutheran non-profits, including Lutheran Social Services of Illinois and Lutheran Hillside Village, most recently as the Assistant Director of Development.
Rosy was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Peoria, IL and participated in the Rebecca Circle. Music played a vital role in her life through her singing and playing the organ and piano. She found great joy as a devoted pastor’s wife supporting Paul during his years of ministry as an ELCA Lutheran pastor.
Paul and Rosy enjoyed attending the many activities and events of her nieces and nephew as well as the great-nieces and great-nephews. They also enjoyed traveling and retreating to their condo in Door County and attending the Bradley University’s basketball games. Special vacations included trips to visit zoos across the U.S. to see her “favorite” pandas.
Upon Paul’s death, her nieces helped her move to Freeport to be closer to family, especially niece Carol, who lovingly cared for her during her last 4 ½ years.
Spending time with family was her greatest joy. Our beloved “Aunt Ro” was one-of-a kind and will be dearly missed.
She is survived by one sister, Colleen (Larry) Dikkers of Freeport, IL and sisters-in-law Jean (the late Neil) DeWall of Baileyville, IL and Claudia (the late Joel) Guenther of Littleton, CO. Also surviving are five nieces, Carol (Wayne) Jackowski of German Valley, IL, Stacie (Chuck) Williar of Sycamore, IL, Sarah (the late Tim) Walker of Barrington, IL, Krista (Kurt) Butler of Machesney Park, IL, and Anne (Mike) Wisniewski of Fox River Grove, IL; one nephew, Joel (Kelly) DeWall of Arkdale, WI; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother Neil DeWall.
Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2700 W. Stephenson St., Freeport, IL 61032, with Pastor Craig Swenson and Pastor Shellie Knight presiding. A visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at White Oak Cemetery in Forreston, IL. A memorial fund has been established in Rosalie’s memory.
