Pamela J. Wonzer

Pamela Jean "Big Red, Thumper" Wonzer, 71, of Roscoe, passed away at home after long progressive chronic illnesses on August 8, 2025. She was employed at various occupations throughout her lifetime including bartending, janitorial for Woodward Governor for many years, and was a loving caregiver for family members Mick, Paula and George Wonzer for many years. Pam worked at Luhr Jensen, painting fishing lures during her time in Oregon. Pam loved cats, animals, the Green Bay Packers, watching TV - Yellowstone was her favorite series. Pam loved older country music including songs by Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and Bette Midler. Pam loved to clean and kept up the habits she gained from working in the janitorial field. Pam took great pride in being a loving and faithful caregiver for family members for many years, extending her family bond and connection to and from those she cared for. Pam loved Diet Pepsi and her Marlboro Red cigarettes. Thank you to Pam's brother Ron for helping her in many ways over the years and as her health declined. Thank you to Pam's neighbor Diane as she kept an eye on Pam and helped get her medical care when she was hospitalized recently as well as keeping in contact with family when needed. Pam is survived by her brothers, Ronald Wonzer (Patty) of Roscoe and Robert Wonzer of Rockford; nieces and nephews, Stacy Wonzer Marsh (Walton Reynolds II), Tracy Winters (Chad Meffert), Kaycee Barnhill (CJ), Michael O' Brien Jr. (Lynette) and Heather Wonzer Haussecker (Ronnie). Predeceased by her parents, mother Gwendolyn Carmen Wonzer and father George Wonzer; brother/sister-in-law Marion (Mick) Wonzer and sister-in-law, Paula Wonzer, brother Gordon (Gordy) Wonzer, sister/brother-in-law, Patricia (Patty) O' Brien, brother-in-law Michael O' Brien, sister Delores Wonzer, nephew George Wonzer, sister-in-law Mary Wonzer. Pam was a one-of-a-kind person who lived, laughed and loved with those she came into contact with. Pam was fun, thoughtful, curious and loyal. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, coworker and friend. Pam did not marry or have children of her own, although she loved her brothers and sisters and their children as her own. She was close with all of her nieces and nephews and spent time with them all and lived with them all at one time or another. She was the fun aunt, the caring aunt and the crazy one who could always get a good laugh or a giggle out of almost anything. Pam spent many years caring for her brother Mick, sister-in-law Paula and nephew George. Pam was proud she was able to take care of family, and they took care of her as well, forming a family connection that last until they all passed. Pam spent her lifetime working hard in physical labor type jobs and struggled with various ailments over the years, including a self-proclaimed "crazy eye" that did strange things to the very end. Despite these physical ailments and the fact that she wasn't supposed to live past infancy, Pam persevered and lived life her chosen way. Pam lived her life with little expectations and made her way the best she knew how. Pam was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Pam loved working with people and lived with an unusual combo of old friendships and acquaintances and being a loner. Pam knew who she was and was also always trying to figure out who she wanted to be. A more complex person than we really ever realized. Pam's fun and slightly nutty spirit will live on through those who knew her and the memories will not be soon forgotten. With love and gratitude, from all those who love you. You are missed beyond measure and loved more than you knew. A memorial visitation will be on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM in Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory-Roscoe Chapel, 11342 Main St., Roscoe. Instead of flowers, memorials could be made to the family to assist with final expenses. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Pamela J. Wonzer, please visit our floral store.