Suzanne Longacre

Suzanne Louise (Dobson) Longacre
June 5, 1954 – September 3, 2025
Suzanne Louise Longacre, 71, of Rockton, Illinois, passed away on September 3, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born June 5, 1954, in Beloit, Wisconsin, Suzanne was the daughter of Donald Lieb Dobson and Betty Jean Lucille Kelly. She grew up on a farm in Shirland, Illinois, where she developed her lifelong love of animals and nature. As a young girl she excelled in equestrian competitions and 4-H. She attended Shirland schools, graduated from Hononegah High School in 1972, Rock Valley College in 1975, and later earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point.
Suzanne dedicated her career to the Winnebago County Health Department, serving from 1979 until her retirement in 2016 as an environmental health inspector and later senior health inspector. She also served on the Local Emergency Planning Committee and was proud to co-chair the 2016 Midwest Emergency Preparedness and Response Conference. Beyond her professional life, Suzanne gave generously of her time through volunteer work and was always looking for ways to help others.
Above all, Suzanne was a devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by her sons, Patrick (Emily) of Rockton, Illinois, and Andrew of Mosinee, Wisconsin, and her beloved grandchildren, Matthew, Nora, and Saoirse. She is also survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Sharon Longacre of Mineral Wells, West Virginia; her sister-in-law, Carol Dobson of Brodhead, Wisconsin; her niece, Denise; her nephews, Josh and Kelly; and close family friend, April.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Longacre, in 2005; her parents, Donald and Betty; and her brother, Thomas.
Suzanne will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her love of birdwatching and reading, her generosity, and her devotion to her family. Her kindness and strength touched all who knew her, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved.
A Memorial Ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, at McCorkle Funeral Home, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, IL with Pastor Steve St. Clair officiating. A luncheon will follow immediately after the service.