Christine Marie Rosenkranz, affectionately known as “Rosie,” 57, of Collinsville, Illinois, was born on June 14, 1969, in Belleville, Illinois. She passed away on September 21, 2026, at her home.

Rosie devoted many years of service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was especially proud of her work supporting the response to Hurricane Katrina. She generously volunteered whenever and wherever she could, with a special place in her heart for dogs and other animals in need.

Rosie embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She believed in truly living life to its fullest and without regrets. She loved traveling, spending time outdoors, and joining just about any activity that caught her interest—from pool and bowling leagues to improv comedy skits, pop-up classes to learn new skills, and countless other pursuits. No challenge seemed too big, and there was little she wouldn’t try at least once. She was typically the loudest person in every room, with a smile that shone even brighter. A friend to everyone she met, Rosie never knew a stranger.

To be loved by Rosie was to know a love that was fierce, loyal, and entirely without limits. She touched too many lives for the depth of her absence ever to be measured.

Rosie is survived by her partner, Michael Fraticelli; her sister, Susie Kivlehen; her sister-in-law, Gail Rosenkranz; her stepbrother, Frank (DeeDee) Rudis Jr.; her nieces, Ashley (Angela) Rosenkranz, Taylor (Sarah) Schwierjohn, Lauren Rosenkranz (Ryan Schulte), Haley (Stephen) Pusateri, Erin Rosenkranz (Cody Alvarez), Jordan Rudis (Trelyn Bonvillian), and Sydney Jerome (Sam Heintz); her nephews, Cole (Taylor) Rudis and Hayden Kivlehen; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, other close relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Marie Rudis (née Chambliss); her father, Ronald “Wilkie” Rosenkranz; her stepfather, Franklin Rudis; her brother, Danny Rosenkranz; and her beloved furry companions, Sunny and Lilly Rosenkranz.

On July 28, 2018, Rosie received a heart transplant—a day she considered her rebirth and a second chance at life. Through the selfless decision of an organ donor, she was given eight more treasured years with those she loved, and she never lost her gratitude for that extraordinary gift. In her memory, her family encourages others to consider registering as organ donors because one decision can give another person the gift of more time.

To learn more about becoming an organ donor, visit RegisterMe.org.

A celebration of life for Rosie will be held on Saturday, October 17, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hurricanes Bar & Grill, 222 W. Main St., Collinsville, IL 62234. 

The family is being served by Herr Funeral Home, 501 W. Main Street, Collinsville, IL, 62234.