Clara Babette “Babs” Rosenthal, 91, of Galena, IL, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford, IL, surrounded by her loving family. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM, Monday, July 22, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena, where friends may call after 10:30 AM at the church until the time of mass. Friends may call from 1 to 4 PM on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where a parish rosary will be recited at 12:30 PM. The burial will bein the church cemetery. Babs was born October 5, 1932, in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of Clement and Gladys (McCarthy) Knaff. At the age of eight years old, she lost her mother and brother in a house fire in Benton, WI; her grandmother, Clara McCarthy, then raised her along with her three very special cousins in Hazel Green, WI. She graduated from Hazel Green High School in 1950. She went to work at the Savanna Army Depot, where she met her future husband, Ben Rosenthal. They were married on October 3, 1953, at St Mary’s Church, and he preceded her in death on July 14, 2009. Babs and Ben ran the Shopper News for several years and the Montgomery Wards Catalog Store until it closed. She later worked at the Galena Medical Clinic until her retirement. Babs was a St Mary’s Church member and the Altar and Rosary Society. She enjoyed golfing, taking many trips with Ben after retirement, and doing crafts. Most of all, she enjoyed watching her grandkids grow up and their many sporting events and school activities. She enjoyed visits from her great-grandchildren. Babs is survived by her five children, Babette (Jim) Krug, Paulette (Bill) Wiley, Jim Rosenthal, John (Shirley) Rosenthal, and Ben (Jean) Rosenthal; her 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and two sisters-in-law, Darlene and Katherine Rosenthal and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandmother, two brothers, Jim and Sammy Knaff, brothers and sisters-in-law, and her very special cousins, Jolene Temperly, Teddy Watson, and Bobby Watson. The family wishes to thank the Galena EMTs, Midwest Medical Staff, and the Javon Bea Hospital Staff for their compassionate care for our mother. Also, thank the staff and her many friends at Prairie Ridge, where she lived for the past five years, for their kindness. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice in Mom’s name.
Clara “Babs” Rosenthal
My thoughts are with your family. Much love!
You have my sympathy. Memories of her go way back especially her running the Montgomery Wards Store on Main Street. Those were the “Good Old Days”.
Nancy
She will be missed by so many. she was such a sweet lady full of love. Everyday I always waited to ask her how she was with her reply always saying “Fair to Middlin” We will miss her at Prairie Ridge. God Bless her soul and she is at peace. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss! Sending hugs and prayers!
Paulette, So sorry to read about your mom. I trust your memories will make you smile. I’ll keep you and your siblings in my prayers. Marcia (Hasken) Bunchman
My sympathy to the Rosenthal family. Babs was a nice lady and raised a wonderful family.
Dear Rosenthal Family-
Sending much love to you. I always enjoyed a good visit with Babs on Elk Street, when I moved back to Galena. She certainly loved her family.
Thoughts and prayers!
John: My condolences on the loss of your Mother. According to her obituary she had a lovely life. May she RIP.
I always found Babs to be kind and empathetic with the patients at the Clinic. She was a great help to us at the hospital in assisting us in connecting with the nurse or doctor we were trying to catch up with at the clinic.
I am so very saddened to hear of Babs’ passing. My deepest condolences to you all.
John and family
We are so sorry to hear the loss of your mother.
You have our deepest condolences
My sincere sympathy to all of your family of baby, she sure was a great lady
Paulette, sorry to hear about your mother.
I will miss Babs friendship and our many phone calls. My thoughts and prayers are with you. With deepest sympathy, Bev DeBord