Colleen E. Zernechel

Colleen E. Zernechel, 85, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully, Friday morning, October 18, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born November 3, 1938 in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Clarence and Florence (Dearth) Bissman. Colleen married Paul A. Zernechel on June 21, 1958 in Rockford. Colleen and Paul stared Paul's Crane Service in 1973. She was a member of Operating Engineers Local 150. Colleen adored her pets. Most of all, she loved her family. Colleen is deeply loved and will be missed. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Colleen is survived by her children, Cheryl (Chuck) Doyle, Craig (Pam) Zernechel and Caren Coffman; grandchildren, Christopher (Chad Hobbs) Doyle, Channing (Esmeralda) Doyle, Corey (Ted) Lega, Jessica Stratton, Zachary (Emily Trimpe) Zernechel and Adam Zernechel; seven great-grandchildren, Thea, Ava, Amelia, Ava, Jacob, Aria and Logan; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul, brothers Charles and Ray Bissman, son-in-law, Dan Coffman, grandson Andrew Stratton and furry friends, Mariah and Bella.

A visitation will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, October 24, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115 with a funeral service to be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2024 at the funeral home. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Noah's Ark or Rockford Rescue Mission.