Linnie D. Rose
Linnie D. Rose, 58, of Rockford, IL, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023, in his home after a short battle with cancer. Born February 20, 1964, at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, the son of (SFC, Ret.) Donald L. and Charlotte Ruth (Pirtle) Rose. Linnie was the youngest of their four children. When the family moved to Rockford in 1976, they attended the first Show of Shows drum & bugle corps competition. Linnie immediately became enchanted with drum corps, and it was a lifelong passion. Having marched with the Phantom Regiment Cadets, the Phantom Regiment of Rockford (SUTA!), and The Cavaliers out of Rosemont, IL, Linnie later went on to work with the Phantom Regiment Cadets and the Tarheel Sun Drum & Bugle Corps out of Cary, NC. He dreamed of starting his own drum corps and in 2017 he and a group of other supporters were able to reactivate Lonestar Drum & Bugle Corps in Texas. Linnie mentored and influenced many young people during his years with drum corps. Two years ago, Linnie had to give up his dream and returned to Rockford after many years away. He graduated from Guilford High School, Class of 1982. While at Guilford, Linnie was active in marching band and drill team for ROTC. In 1987 Linnie enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After completing basic training at Great Lakes Naval Base he was stationed aboard the USS Simon Lake in Holy Loch, Scotland. Linnie had several different careers the last of which was at Amazon in Fort Worth, Texas (FTW4). Throughout his life family, whether by blood or by choice, was very important to him. He especially adored his great-nephews, Jaidyn, Takoda, Camden, and Malaki Nelson. Linnie lived many places in his lifetime making friends and touching people everywhere he went. Survivors include his mother, Charlotte Ruth Rose; sisters, Melani and Valeri Rose; brother, Larrie Rose; niece, Tricia Nelson; his four beloved great-nephews; plus, the family cat, Terry, all of Rockford; many cousins; other extended family; and his dear friends, Jake Rios of Iowa, and Karrie Porter-Brace of New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his father, (SFC Ret) Donald L Rose; infant brother, Terrie; grandparents, Charley and Reva Pirtle of Sullivan, Indiana; and the family dog, Chula. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center who took compassionate and timely care of Linnie. Finally, the family would like to thank Lisa, Chris, Janelle, Dr. Sarah Whelan, and other staff of OSF Hospice for their assistance the final week of Linnie’s life.
Linnie wishes to be cremated and no services will be held at this time. The family plans to have a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to Winnebago County Animal Services, winnebagoanimals.org, or an animal shelter of choice in memory of Linnie D Rose. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Loves Park, IL.
