Rosalea M. Prusacki, 86, passed away at 3:30 AM on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Du Quoin Nursing and Rehab where she has resided for the past 6 years.
She was born May 7, 1938, the daughter of George and Teckla (Getto) Strauch.  Rosalea married Michael R. Prusacki on September 5, 1959 in Christopher.  He preceded her in death on May 1, 2013.  They were not able to have children of their own but were proud to have helped with the raising of many that belonged to family and friends.
She is survived by one sister-in-law, Connie Prusacki of Tamaroa, many cousins, nieces, and nephews, including her Godchildren, Karl Prusacki, Kathy Conner, and Diane Grimes.
Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Lawrence who was killed in action during WWII in Okinawa, Japan when Rosalea was 6 years old.  She was also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas and Bernice (Prusacki) Nowakowski, Ralph and Dorothy Prusacki, Arthur and Laverne (Prusacki) Kabat, and Leon Prusacki, and one Godchild, Jody Gajewski.
She attended Coello Grade School and graduated from Christopher High 1956.  She has been a member of Sacred Heart Church in Du Quoin since 1959 when she married Michael and became a Farm Wife.  She was a generous and faithful servant who willingly accepted leadership roles at church including serving on the Parish Council and as a Eucharistic Minister.  She was a member of the local Du Quoin Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court, serving as Regent, and she attended many BDCCW (Belleville Diocese Council of Catholic Women) events.  She was a member of Illinois Agri-Women and the Home & Community Education Extension, attending regular gatherings with her Girls Friday group.
She worked for many years for the Du Quoin State Fair in the Farm & Home Show, later working on the grounds selling Dippin' Dots ice cream.  Most recently in 2019, she was proud to ride on the DQ Nursing & Rehab float in the parade on preview night of the fair.
She was a talented crafter.  She could sew, knit, crochet, and craft about anything imaginable.  She crafted a large cornucopia that is still used by her church at Thanksgiving.
She was loved and will be missed by many friends, family members, and those who cared for her at the nursing home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at Noon, Monday, March 10, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin with Fr. John Igwe officiating.
Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 A.M., Monday at Searby Funeral Home with visitation immediately following until 11:45 A.M.
Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Du Quoin, IL.
Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Perry County Farm Bureau for Ag in the Classroom.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.