BORN

May 6, 1933

DIED

August 9, 2025

AGE

LOCATION

Mendota, Illinois

Merritt Funeral Home Obituary

Rose Ann Kobilsek, 92, of Mendota, IL passed away on the 9th of August, 2025 at Allure of Mendota. Rose was born May 6, 1933 in Mendota, the daughter of Thomas and Suzanne (Hanley) Fitzgerald. Rose married Daniel F. Kobilsek June 27, 1959 in Dimmick, IL.

Rose dedicated her life to a rewarding career as a registered nurse. She first served as a nurse for Dr. Musick and Dr. Durham, and later provided compassionate care at Sunrise Nursing Home in Mendota. A devoted member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, she actively participated in the Altar and Rosary Society. Rosie had a warm and welcoming nature, opening her home to her children’s friends and becoming a cherished presence in their lives. She is fondly remembered for her lively spirit, loving heart, kindness, and cooking that she shared with all who knew her.

She and her family appreciated the kindness and care that was provided to her by the staff at Allure Mendota.

She is preceded in death by her husband Daniel, her parents and one brother-in-law Jim Malay.

Rose is survived by five children: Frank (Anita) Kobilsek of Mendota, Tom Kobilsek of Troy Grove, Dan Kobilsek of Mendota, Bill Kobilsek of Mendota and Kathy (Randy) Fox of Mendota; one sister: Elaine Malay of Hudson IL; eight grandchildren: Kourtney (Josh) Dempsey, Kassidy Kobilsek, Kaitlyn Kobilsek, Curt Fitzgerald, Brian (Brittany) Fox, Michael (Allison) Fox, Sean (Anne) Fox and Kate (Jacob Schuler) Fox; and 13 great grandchildren.

There will be a Rosary on Thursday, 14th of August, 2025, at 3:30PM, at Horner-Merritt Funeral Home & Cremation Service, located at 800 Monroe Street, Mendota. This will be followed by a public visitation at the same location at 4:00 - 6:30 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held in her honor on Friday, 15th of August, 2025, at 11:00AM, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, located at 1010 Jefferson Street, Mendota, with Father Greg Nelson. Burial will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery in LaSalle, IL. Pallbearers will be: Frank, Tom, Dan and Bill Kobilsek, Curt Fitzgerald and Josh Dempsey. Memorials in her honor can be directed to Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mendota. Visit www.horner-merritt.com for online guestbook.

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Deepest Symphathy

Steve Tuftie

August 14, 2025 | Ottawa, IL | Acquaintance

Frank, Anita and family: My heartfelt condolence to all of you. Rose was one of the first nurses I connected with I began working at Goslins Drug Store. She was always warm, friendly and helpful. A true professional with an understanding, sympathetic heart of gold. I know how proud she was of her family as I'm sure, you are of her. May she rest in peace and your fond memories of her bring you comfort.

Jack Arkins

August 13, 2025 | Peru, IL | Friend

Condolences to Rose’s family and friends.

Pat & Holly Beals

August 13, 2025 | Mendota, IL

Frank, our deepest sympathies to you and Anita and your family on the loss of your mother.

Henry & Deb Hackman

August 13, 2025

Aunt Rose was a warm and loving aunt to me my entire life. We celebrated countless Christmases together and I have wonderful memories of summer dinners on her backyard patio, not far from Uncle Dan’s vegetable garden. She flew to NY to help celebrate my wedding. She mailed my family boxes of grapefruit for years as much-anticipated presents. She had a wonderful sense of humor that always with her and I feel fortunate that she was my aunt.

Karen Compton

August 11, 2025 | Brooklyn, NY | Family

I grew up in the same neighborhood as the Kobilsek family and often played with Frank. I’ll always remember Mrs. Kobilsek as a very kind & warm person who always made me feel welcome in their home. My sincere sympathies to Frank and all of the Kobilsek family.

Kim Sterchi

August 11, 2025 | Crystal Lake, IL | Neighbor

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Mary Ellen Larson

August 11, 2025 | New Market, AL | Family

Elaine and family—you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, the Sokols.

Tracy Sokol

August 11, 2025 | Hudson, IL | Neighbor

Rose Ann Kobilsek

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