Francine Anthonsen

Francine Anthonsen, 62, of Rockford, passed away on August 19, 2026.

Born on July 14, 1964, in Beloit, Wisconsin, Francine was the daughter of John and Margaret (Gaskins) Repke. She attended South Beloit Senior High School and later earned her GED.

On October 8, 1984, Francine married Wayne Anthonsen, beginning a marriage that would span more than four decades. She was employed by Zum, providing transportation for area students.

Francine was one of those people you didn't simply meet-you remembered her. She was a firecracker with a tender heart, a strong mind, and a personality all her own. She was firm in her beliefs, comfortable in her own skin, and wonderfully authentic. Francine didn't put on airs, didn't pretend to be someone she wasn't, and certainly didn't pull any punches. She was a britches-and-boots kind of woman who met life on her own terms.

But beneath that feisty spirit was an incredibly kind and loving heart. Francine loved people for who they were, without bias or judgment, and when she loved someone, she loved them with everything she had. There was no halfway with Francine. If you were one of her people, you knew it. She made sure you knew you were loved, and that love was genuine, loyal, and wholehearted.

Music brought Francine tremendous joy. She especially loved KISS and had an almost encyclopedic knowledge of music. Those who knew her might lovingly call her a world expert on musical trivia-and they'd have plenty of stories to back it up. Music was just one of the many ways Francine connected with the people around her, sharing her knowledge, opinions, laughter, and enthusiasm freely.

Francine's greatest legacy, however, will be the love she gave so generously. She had a way of gathering people into her circle and making family bigger than a last name or a bloodline. Her family included relatives, friends, extended family, and, of course, a few four-legged members who held very important places in her heart.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne; children, John (Stephen Arnold) Repke and Amy Anthonsen; siblings, Edward (Leann Steinberg) Thomas and Patricia (significant other, Wendell Schuemann) Varble; nieces, nephews, and cousins; a cherished circle of extended family; and her beloved "grand kitties," Aki, Yuki, and Aine.

Francine was preceded in death by her parents; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Barbara Smith; brother-in-law, Timothy Varble Sr.; and dear friend, Lynn Waller.

Those who loved Francine will miss her fire, her honesty, her music trivia, and the unmistakable way she could make her presence known. Most of all, they will miss the enormous heart behind it all. Francine was unapologetically herself, and she loved the same way she lived-with her whole heart.

Visitation on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 12 pm to 1 pm, followed by a celebration of life at 1 pm at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services. Celebrant Jennifer Thomspon will officiate. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.