Kathleen “Kathy” A. Schimmoler, 84, of Rockford, passed away on February 10, 2026, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on January 3, 1942, in DeKalb, Illinois, the daughter of James E. Forster and Helen L (Swingley) Forster. She married Gilman "Gil" P. Schimmoler after college on August 8, 1964, in DeKalb, IL, after being friends since the age of 6. Together, Gil and Kathy had their only son, Jeffrey T. Schimmoler, born on July 6, 1966.

Kathy was a lifelong learner and teacher. She often said she didn't have a job-rather, she went to school full time. She was dedicated to educating children which began at an early age with her younger siblings.

Furthering that goal, Kathy graduated from Dekalb High School and continued her education with a Bachelors and Master's Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University and earned her Certificate of Advanced Studies (C.A.S.). Kathy taught grades K-8 in Northern Illinois, eventually making her educational home in Rockford. Kathy touched the lives of so many over her 60-year career. She was a teacher of teachers, not just students. Her dedication to continuing education was unmatched. Across the country she was a speaker of classroom management. She wrote curriculum for new teachers at Rockford College, and multiple programs within the Rockford School District have Kathy's indelible mark on them. She was very proud of her work with the truancy program in the Rockford Public Schools and involvement with student teachers as an advisor and mentor with Rockford University and South Beloit school system.

Besides her long professional career in education, Kathy excelled in all matter's family and friends. Not only was she an amazing, loving and kind wife to Gil and mother to Jeff, but the sibling "glue", she was the favorite aunt, second mother and best friend to many others. Kathy's absence will be profound for all who loved her.

She is survived by her husband, Gil; son Jeff; brothers, Michael Forster of Greensville, N. Carolina, Bruce (Bonnie) Forster of Dixon, IL, Roger Forster of Baraboo, WI, Ed (Brenda) Forster of Edgerton, WI; sister, Mary (Richard) Hanson of Malta, IL; Sisters-in-law Nona Forster of West Chicago, IL, Paulette Forster of Griffin, GA; brother-in-law Richard (Sharon) Schimmoler of Sycamore, IL; 22 nieces and nephews and many more great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers John F. Forster and Ronald A. Forster; sisters in law, Sharon Forster and Betty Forster; and niece Valerie Forster.

The family wants to thank the team of doctors and nurses that treated Kathy with care, compassion and dignity over the last couple of months across multiple facilities. Additionally, the last several weeks would have been impossible without the loving, tender care provided by Magda and Marta. We are forever grateful.

A Memorial Mass will be on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL 61107, with a visitation prior to Mass starting at 9:00 a.m. A Night Before Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope and Equip, 12445, Bellingham Rd., Caledonia, IL 61011 or Holy Family School Library, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL 61107.