Joseph Clark “Bud” Rosenberry, 85, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at home March 7, 2026.
Bud was born March 8, 1940, in Orrstown, Pennsylvania, the son of Francis Robert and Catherine May (Pine) Rosenberry.
After high school, Bud served in the U.S. Air Force for five years as a mechanic and was honorably discharged Sept. 4, 1963. Taking the skills he learned in the Air Force, Bud became a lifelong mechanic in Galesburg specializing in Volkswagens. He shared his knowledge with many VW enthusiasts throughout the years and enjoyed restoring and rebuilding many VWs with his brother, Don. His mechanical abilities carried into the motorcycle realm, specializing in Hondas. He was a longtime active member of Central Illinois A.B.A.T.E.
In his free time, Bud could be found in his garage tinkering around on vehicles and motorcycles. He was a member of Limited Rods and the Rifle Club. Bud was a longtime member of Alpha Lodge #155 A.F.&A.M.
Bud married Barbara Jo Lovett, and together they had two daughters, both of whom survive. Bud and Barbara later divorced.
Bud is survived by his two daughters, Amy L. Shumaker of Perry, Georgia, and Carol A. Hill of Galesburg; five grandchildren, Bert “B.J.” Hill, Timothy C. Hill, Bradley L. Hill, Megan Nelson, and Kristina Israel; and three great-grandsons. Bud is also survived by one brother, Donald (Pam) Rosenberry of Galesburg, and two sisters, JoAnne Crane and Cathy Ryan, both of Galesburg. Bud was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date at Harley’s Pub. Private family burial of cremated remains will be with his family at Abingdon Cemetery, Abingdon, Illinois.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Quad Cities Honor Flight.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at watsonthomas.com.
