Rosalee Edith Casalin

Rosalee 'Rose' Casalin age 92 of St. John, IN, passed away peacefully on Sept 5, 2025 surrounded by family and friends.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Sandra Casaln; son, Michael Casalin; grandchildren, John Kilbourne, Lauren Kilbourne, Shannon Bircher and Amber Casalin along with many great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Alica Sack; husband, Raymond Casalin; children, Susan Kilbourne and Mark Casalin; grandson, Darrell Kilbourne, and her loving sister Dorothy Ziga.

Rose was born in 1932 in Roseland Illinois and attended Fenger Highschool. It was in Roseland where she met her late loving husband Ray of almost 70 yrs of marriage. Together they built a life and raised four children together. Rose worked most of her life doing payroll for several different companies. Her favorite position after her retirement was working for a few years in the concession area at the Kmart located in St. John. She would often bring home large bags of popcorn for her family to enjoy.

In 1972 they moved to St. John, Indiana and became parishioners of St. John the Evangelist Church. Rose loved her Catholic faith. She said the rosary every day and attended mass regularly. Before her age got the best of her, Rose volunteered at the little adoration chapel located by the church in St. John.

Rose also volunteered to deliver meals to those in need through Meals on Wheels, often carting small grandchildren with here to make sure everyone was taken care of. She delivered meals for several years
after she finally retired.

Rose loved to travel. Throughout her life she traveled to so many wonderful destinations, from California to New York, mostly with her husband. She also got to visit Italy with her husband and his sister Mary. A trip she often talked about. In 2001 she had the privilege to travel Medjugorje, a small town in Bosnia with her daughter Sandy. It was a mission trip through the church; it was a once in a life-time experience for both of them.

Rose’s life revolved around family and friends. Throughout the years, she and Ray would get together with family and friends regularly for dinner and a game of cards, Rose was quite good at poker. The laughter could be heard until the early hours of the morning. So many memories revolve around holidays, dinners, family, and a game of poker or of pass the ace.

After losing her husband and daughter, Susan in 2019, all the card games stopped. Rose’s family and friends were her life and her life was forever changed.

Rose was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. Her smile could light up the sky. She is deeply missed and will be forever, until we meet again.

A Gathering will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 1-3pm at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road (one block south of Ridge Road) Highland, IN.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses.

Rose will be laid to rest with her husband Ray at a later time.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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