Joshua Zipse

Joshua Zipse, 48, of Rockford, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday, November 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family, after a 7 year battle with brain cancer.

Born on February 18, 1977, in Galena, IL, Josh was the son of Gene B. Zipse and Cynthia (Gabel) Raleigh. On March 3, 2005, he married the love of his life, Elisa Martinez Zipse, with whom he shared 30 unforgettable years.

Josh was a proud and loving father to Zoe Zipse, Nadia Zipse, and Adrian (Kiryn) Martinez, and a joyful grandfather to Aviana, Evora, Xavier, and Ever.

He is survived by his mother, Cynthia (Bob) Raleigh, who cared for him with unwavering love; his siblings, Jason Zipse and Antonia (Christian) Benitez, Bob (Nelly) Raleigh, Sunny (Christopher) Raleigh, Lucas (Coral) Raleigh, Andrea (Lee) Groom, and a large extended family and friends who were like family.

Josh is preceded in death by his father, Gene Zipse, and his beloved brother, James Zipse. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with the two people he missed the most.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 noon at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Cemetery in Beloit, WI. Luncheon TBA.

To share memories and condolences, please visit www.fitzgeralfh.com.