Mary Lou Osborne (Heimerdinger), 97, died February 11th, 2026, at her home in Rockford, IL. She was born on January 21st, 1929, in Byron, IL to Esther and William Heimerdinger and lived on the family farm. After graduating from Pearl City High School in 1946, she attended Northern Illinois State Teachers College (now NIU) and graduated in 1950 with a teaching degree. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Rockford and began teaching at Jackson elementary school. Her residence was next door to the Osborne’s and that is how she was introduced to her husband to be, Richard. He was soon to leave for his service in the Navy, but the two stayed in contact and were married in 1954 - the two were able to celebrate their 67th wedding anniversary.

Mary then stayed home upon the birth of their children Steve and Linda and then joined Osborne Sheet Metal for the last 11 years of its tenure. Following their retirement, Mary then began one of her favorite roles - Grandma - to her six grandchildren.

Mary is survived by her son, Steve (Debbie) Osborne; daughter, Linda (George) Rodewald; grandchildren, Aidan Osborne (Kallie), Colin Osborne (Morgan), and Liam Osborne (Alexis); Leah Rodewald Carter (Alex Carter), Mara Rodewald and Ella Rodewald; great grandchildren Lilah and Otto; and brother Warren Heimerdinger. Mary is predeceased by her husband, Richard; her parents Esther and William Heimerdinger; her brother, Merle Heimerdinger, and dear cousin Lydia Young.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the staff of Peterson Meadows, the staff at Home Instead, and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care and kindness.

Visitation will take place on Friday, February 20th, 2026, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service, 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial to follow at Willwood Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Heartland Hospice’s “Hospice Memorial Fund” – 6000 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com