ROCHELLE — Rosalee Leathers Emke, 89, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2021 after lovingly saying goodbye to her family.

Rosalee was born on April 28, 1931 in Streator to Fred and Elsie (Rapp) Leathers.
She always called Rochelle home.

Rosalee was very community-minded. She held several positions within the VFW Auxiliary, including president.

During her later years, she spent many enjoyable hours at the Hub City Senior Center.
Rosalee retired from Eaton Corporation in 1996. She continued to maintain many friendships with her Eaton family. She was a long-time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Rosalee enjoyed reading, puzzles, pencil art, country music and old western movies. Her favorite pastime was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rosalee is survived by her daughters, Margaret Collins of Oregon, Marian (Gary) Cody of Earlville, Marie (Michael) Schimanski of Du Quoin and Leather John Henkel of Dixon, whom she was both a mother and grandmother; special friend, Jim Bolton of Rochelle; six grandsons, Richard Collins of Malta, Robert Collins of Sycamore, Timothy (Steve Warren) Seibert of Chatham, Philip (Daphney) Schimanski of Du Quoin, Benjamin (Teressa King) Schimanski of Melbourne, Australia, Brian (Jamie) Cody of Prairie Center and Justin (Ruth) Cody of Washington; one granddaughter, Marjorie (Larry) Simmons of Yorkville; two sisters, Helen (Dennis) Shirley and Patricia Cagle both of Mount Vernon; in-laws, Doris Leathers of Adams, Wis. and James Shreve of Wayne City; 15 great-grandchildren, Emily Johnson, Sara and Riley Collins, Jesse McDicken, Makenzie Rose Simmons, Remmington Schimanski, Ty and Jax Henkel, Genna and Westin Cody, Mary, Jude, Augustine, Maximillian and Genevieve Rose Cody; and multiple nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded by her son, John Henkel; brothers, Hubert, Otis, Elston, Jack and Charles Ray; sisters, Irene Huber, Norma Henson, Blanche Mabrey, Louise Ginn and Lois Shreve.

Due to COVID restrictions, a private family funeral service will be on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 with Pastor Mark Nordman officiating. Interment will follow in Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, IL 61068.  

Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.