Rosalie Buchner

Rosalie Buchner, 87, of rural Oblong, IL, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025, in the comfort of her sister’s home. Born on January 26, 1938, in Peoria, IL, Rosalie spent most of her life in Rockford, IL, where she worked as a supervisor in the mail department at the National Lock Company for 20 years. But her real passion wasn’t found in office routines—it was in the home she built, the family she cherished, and the joy she brought to everyday life.

Rosalie’s love story with Anton “Tony” M. Buchner began with a spark of skepticism—she thought he was a little too goofy and obnoxious at first. But Tony’s charm eventually won her over, and they married on December 15, 1962. From that point on, they were devoted to each other in every sense of the word. Together, they shared a beautiful life filled with adventures in national and state parks across the country. Back home, Rosalie proved to be a woman of endless creativity. She crocheted cozy afghans, quilted beautiful blankets, sewed clothes for herself and her daughter, and even crafted delicate doll clothes and paper-mâché creations. Her home was a treasure trove of her handiwork, each piece reflecting her patience and care. She also loved gathering family around for games—Greedy, Rummy, and Penny Ante Poker were favorites, often played with pennies from her mother’s old tobacco tin. Her quick wit kept everyone laughing. For example, if you asked her how she was feeling, she’d flash a grin and say, “With my fingers.”

Rosalie had a heart as big as her smile. She was kind to everyone, quick with a compliment, and always made others feel seen and valued. You couldn’t make her mad—she simply had too much joy and warmth to share. Whether through her crafts, her cooking (thanks to her trusty Women’s Day cookbook) , or her thoughtful words, Rosalie left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

She also had a love for the little things in life—collecting Precious Moments figurines, watching Gunsmoke and other Westerns, and bursting into song when the mood struck. Though her church friends encouraged her to join the choir, she preferred singing on her own terms, filling her home with unexpected melodies. Rosalie’s faith was a steady, guiding light throughout her life. She was a faithful churchgoer for over 20 years, and her Bible—marked from cover to cover—stood as a testament to her deep love for God’s word. Though her church withdrew her membership when she and Tony stopped giving financially, Rosalie took it in stride, saying with a smile, “That pastor taught me all he could teach me after 20 years!” Her faith wasn’t just about tradition—it was woven into the way she lived, loved, and gave herself to others.

Like the quilts she stitched and the memories she crafted, her life was a masterpiece—a tapestry of love, laughter, and grace that will be cherished until, by the grace of God, we see her again!

She is survived by her daughter, Rosanne Funk; her sisters, Doris Killingsworth and Joyce Derossett; and numerous nieces & nephews, great-nieces & nephews, and great-great-nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, Tony, on December 28, 2005; by her parents, Harvey Russell Abraham & Rose Etta (McManus) Abraham; by her brothers, Donald "Don", Raymond Dale "Deat", and Henry "Hank" Abraham; and by her sister, Sharon Miller.

A private graveside service will be held at Berlin Cemetery, with Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson handling the arrangements.