William "Bill" Rosenfelder

William K. Rosenfelder, age 86, of Geneva, passed away peacefully at his home in Geneva on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, after a short battle with cancer.

“Bill” was born August 30, 1934, in Geneva, the son of William F. and Clara V. (Wenmoth) Rosenfelder.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Geneva, graduating from Geneva High School in 1952.  After high school Bill pursued college, attending Aurora University and then Northern Illinois University. Soon after he met the love of his life, Mary A. Nelson from St. Charles.  Bill and Mary were united in marriage on November 3, 1956. Shortly after marriage, Bill went into the service where he completed boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and was shipped to Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Colorado.  He found his second passion in being a medic and would bring that passion back to Geneva as one of the first volunteer EMT’s for the Geneva Fire Department. Although he was never called up for active duty, he was in the reserves for six years. During this time, he joined the family hardware business in downtown Geneva for a career that lasted his lifetime. The family business was the 118th store to join the Ace Hardware franchise, back in the 50’s.

Bill was committed to serving his community where he volunteered or was elected to many Boards, including the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, the Geneva Memorial Community Center, and the Geneva Park District. He also served on the Kane County Fair Board and the Aurora University Citizens’ Advisory Board.  Bill spent countless hours working to build a better Geneva and has been remembered for many of his contributions.

Following the footsteps of his father, Bill served his community as a fireman on the Geneva Fire Department, working his way up the ranks where he became the Fire Chief.  Bill built many lasting friendships during those years as he partnered with many officials from Geneva and the neighboring communities.

Bill was never afraid of giving his time to worthy causes.  He was a member of the Fox Valley Shrine Club and sponsored many children for the Shriners Hospital.  He was a member of the Medinah Temple of Chicago, of the Scottish Rite of Chicago and of course, the Geneva Masonic Lodge #139.

Through all his volunteering, he still was able to drive the family business to greater heights, doubling the store size by moving from their 124 W. State  Street location, in 1980, to where the Geneva Ace Hardware resides today and later opening a second store in St. Charles.

Bill loved his life, enjoying the company of friends and family, enjoying the outdoors as much as possible and the pursuit of mastering the game of golf. He was also a great cook and grill master where he loved cooking big meals for family.  He was a jack of all trades and a savvy business man. Bill was also a member of the Geneva Lutheran Church.

For close to 25 years, Bill and Mary made the long trek to live in Arizona during the winter months.  After Mary was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Bill stepped up to be her sole caregiver for many years and was committed to keeping her comfortable and at home. He was an amazing husband that never wavered in his love and care for his wife.  Like Mary, Bill also had a contagious smile and a wonderful laugh.  His love, his spirit and his generosity will never be forgotten.

Survived by his children, Michael (Lauren) Rosenfelder of Littleton, CO, Scott (Mary Ann) Rosenfelder of Batavia, IL and Diane (Jack) Riffell of Somonauk, IL; Grandchildren, Brianne, Kellen, Brent, Max, Mary Kate, Jamie, Josh; Great Grandchildren, Uriah, Jack, Marcella; Sister, Marie Koehn; and many nieces/nephews.

Preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents, William and Clara; brother-in-law Alfred Koehn; brother-in-law, Chuck Nelson; and sister-in-law, Charlene (“Mick”) Nelson

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00am, Thursday, March 4, at Geneva Lutheran Church, 301 S. Third Street, Geneva, with Pastor Trudy Stoffel officiating. Interment, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Geneva, will follow the service. Visitation will be from 4:00pm – 7:00pm, Wednesday, March 3, at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State St., Geneva. Please observe current safety practices for Covid.

To view the service virtually please click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/sZgMBQf2Hso

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org) or Geneva Lutheran Church (301 S. 3rd Street, Geneva IL, 60134).

For more information, please call 630-232-8233 or visit malonefh.com.

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