Rosemary (Longshore) Kloepping, 74, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, with her family at her side, where she was reunited with her forever Valentine and the love of her life.

Rosemary was born on December 29, 1951, in Freeport, Illinois, to the late Earl and Glenda (Murray) Longshore. She graduated from Pecatonica High School in 1970 and went on to build a life centered around faith, family, and service to others.

On September 30, 1972, she married Vaughn Kloepping. Together they shared 50 years of marriage and raised a family grounded in love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

Rosemary had the heart of a true social worker. She dedicated her career to serving others, working for Head Start and later with the Freeport Housing Authority. Helping people was not just her job — it was who she was.

She was a proud and devoted member of Freeport First Free Methodist Church for many years. Her church family meant the world to her, and Pastor Don Jamerson became a very important part of her life. Rosemary was a woman of strong faith, often saying with a smile, "I have this friend, and his name is Jesus." Her faith carried her through life's challenges and shaped the compassionate woman so many loved.

Rosemary was known for her incredible cooking and her joy in hosting family gatherings. Her home was a place where everyone was welcome, there was always plenty of food, and you could count on a lively game of poker around the table. She loved to travel and never passed up an opportunity for adventure. She cherished her annual day trips to Galena with her granddaughter Mariah, where she enjoyed a good Bloody Mary. She took long driving trips filled with laughter and singing along to the radio with her best friend and sister at heart, Annette Rouse. She also treasured time spent with her life-long friends Mary Lincoln, Clari Lagerstam, and Brenda Heilemeier.

She is survived by her daughter, Rachel Rhymer of Freeport, and her son, Gregory Kloepping (fiancé Jen Schultz) of Tucson, Arizona. She was a strong mother figure to many, including her nephews Todd Saxby of Freeport and Doug (Nancy) VanHeeren of Byron; and nieces Crystal (Dave) VanHeeren-Lawrence and Tonya (Todd) Saxby-Penniston, both of Freeport. She is also survived by her beloved granddaughters, Mariah Endress and Zoey Rhymer of Freeport, along with 16 grandchildren who filled her life with tremendous joy and pride. Many of them she helped raise, leaving a lasting mark on their hearts. She is further survived by her best friend and sister in spirit, Annette Rouse.

Her beloved border collie, Tilly, was her faithful companion, and her ashes will be laid to rest alongside Rosemary. She also leaves behind her cherished fur friends, Beau and Gus-Gus.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Vaughn Kloepping; her parents, Earl and Glenda Longshore; and her sisters, Barb Saxby and Pat VanHeeren.

Rosemary will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generous heart, her contagious laughter, and the way she made everyone feel like family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the meals she lovingly prepared, the prayers she faithfully lifted, and the deep, steady love she gave so freely.

Services will be held Saturday February 21, 2026, at Freeport First Free Methodist. 2157 W. Cardinal Dr, 61032.  Officiated by Pastor Phil Ealy. Visitation will be from 9:00 am - 11:00 am. Funeral will follow, and then burial at Chapel Hill Cemetery. Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her memory.