Marlene Vivian Gunsallus

MARLENE VIVIAN GUNSALLUS, 79 – MOM, GRANDMOTHER, AUNT, & LOVING WIFE. Marlene Vivian Gunsallus, 79, of Rockford, passed away peacefully, having succumbed to kidney failure after a courageous six year battle, on May 6, 2015 in Rockton. She was born on February 21st, 1936, in Rockford, daughter of Dwight and Audrey (Palm) Duell.

She was a graduate of East High School class of 1954. She loved baseball, even tried out for the famous Rockford Peaches. Marlene met her husband Metz Gunsallus in Chicago at the Aragon Ballroom and they were married in 1955. She retired from Swedish American Hospital in 2004 after faithfully serving there for 22 years and even earning employee of the month. Marlene thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her dog Charlie and loved to cook her special recipes of lasagna and spice bread. She loved gardening, bird watching, traveling, and reading Danielle Steel, but she was happiest when attending movies, watching American Idol, and most of all spending time with her family.

She will be truly missed.

Survivors include her children, David B. (Haemi) Gunsallus, Marla J. Gunsallus, and Paul B. (Kelly Law) Gunsallus; grandchildren, Evan M (Stephanie Franzen) Gunsallus (Sergeant 82nd Airborne – Veteran of war in Iraq), Ryan P. and Zane Gunsallus; and last but not least, her beloved King Charles Cavalier Spaniel “Charlie”.

Predeceased by her husband; infant daughter, Judy; parents; sister, Mary F. Sarnecke; and stepfather, Walter.

Special thanks to Davita Churchview Dialysis for their 6+ years in caring for our Mother.

Funeral Service 3 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, with visitation 1 p.m. Cremation rites will be accorded. Interment at a later date. Online condolences may be submitted at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com