James Werner Rosentreter
James (Jim) Werner Rosentreter, passed peacefully at home on the evening of January 10th, 2024, after a short illness.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Carol Rosentreter (née Walsh), his three children: Jon Paul (Chelsea) Rosentreter, Eric (Susan) Rosentreter, Kristen (Bret Solnoki) Rosentreter and stepdaughter Kristine (Jim) Kelly, and his three treasured grandchildren Ethan, Wyatt and Lily. He is also survived by his sister Karen Mackiewich (nee Weidel) and brothers Orville Rosentreter, Brian and Mike Weidel and many nieces and nephews.
Born 71 years ago in Munich Germany, Jim emigrated to Illinois as a child with his mother Irma, and was a lifelong resident of the Chicago suburbs. He was active in varsity sports at Morton West High School and graduated from Hinsdale Central High School after his family moved to Hinsdale, IL. When building the Wolf’s Head Inn in Indian Head Park, IL he met Carol in 1976 and their interest in one another began.
Jim leaves an incredible legacy of a loving family, vibrancy, and immense joy of life. His work ethic, honesty, and integrity in all aspects of his life led to a tremendously fulfilling and successful career. As the driving force behind Woodland Construction, he forged lifelong relationships with his trusted subcontractors. His mission was to build incredible homes for his clients, friends, family, and the community he loved, and all will stand as a wonderful reminder of his life’s work.
In addition to being a loving husband, Jim was a wonderful father, playful Papa to his grandchildren, and a one-of-a-kind friend whose generosity was unmatched. He led by example and was always there to help others and lend a hand to anyone in need.
Nicknamed Project Man, Jim had a passion for fixing things. Additionally, he loved his pets, the cottage, snowmobiling in the UP of northern Michigan, and above all his family and friends. Well known for his sense of humor, anywhere he went laughter was sure to follow.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10am on Friday, February 23 at the Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 S. Garfield St., Hinsdale, IL 60521.
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Jim was such an incredible man-he will be so dearly missed by so many-he always had the most positive outlook on life and always available with a hug or a kind word to those of us who were facing struggles-such a loss for his dear family and all of his friends-I will truly miss Jim❤️
Carol- so very sorry for your loss n lifting you n the family up in prayer 🙏.
I knew Jim n family as they were neighbors in Hinsdale of my in laws Thelma n Lonnie Barger .
Thelma n Irma were best friends!! Again Phil n I will keep you in our prayers 🙏🙏🙏
Hi Brenda- thank you for your kind note! This is Karen, Jim’s sister. We loved Thelma and Lonnie!!! They were such great neighbors and best friends to my Mom!! I hope all is well with you and your family!
Jim was always a gracious friend to all, both two-legged and four-legged. The horses at the barn adored him. I will forever miss our squire. He never missed a beat to help someone; often without ever saying a word. A dear man whose presence will be missed.
A good man and he will be missed.
I will always remember Jim with much affection. Carol and I were best of friends when our children were young and so I saw what a great husband and father he was. My thoughts and prayers will be for the Rosentretur family. May God bless you all.
Jim was a wonderful Husband, Father, Papa- as well as Son and Brother in Law. I always enjoyed our conversations, and treasure the way he treated the entire Walsh family. (including our parents, and sister, Kiki!). He is already sorely missed….
What a joy and privilege it was to have Jim as a cherished friend and animal lover…He was know as the horse whisperer as no matter where Jim was at the barn the horses-young or old would seek him out.. We lost our Squire in this physical realm but I know in my heart that you are exploring some beautiful trails and getting into a bit of mischief–I would expect no less.
Carol…Marsh and I are so sorry to learn of your hubby’s passing. We never met him but knew you forged a great life together. Big hugs to you, your kids and grandkids! Lee
We were raised to believe that we all have goals to attain. But they weren’t very clearly defined and we proceed with less direction than we need, handed the luck of the draw at best. Goals are framed in milestones: grow up, get an education that will employ you well enough to meet the needs of the third, fourth and fifth goals of marrying and having 2.3 children in a house you can afford.
I don’t believe those are the authentic goals of our lives. I think the goal is to navigate the gauntlet that is life and come to the end of the day with some semblance of grace while careening through the mapless labyrinth of challenges life will inevitably throw at you.
My good friend accomplished these goals with less direction than most, found his North Star in the embodiment of his beautiful wife and managed to aspire against odds he may have never beat, were he a lesser man. I’ve known Jim for 50+ years. His family and mine grew up side by side, making his family more like relatives than friends. He will be deeply missed.
Jim was kind man who loved to tease and laugh. He was Lily’s second best friend. “Squire Jim,”you are missed. With love, respect and prayers, John and Mary Glusak
I had the pleasure to meet Jim a handful of times and always enjoyed our time .
Peter often spoke about the kind of great mam jim was .
Condolences from the Hopkins to you Eric, John paul and Kristen .
May he rest in peace.
How blessed I am to have met Jim & called him my friend. He was so kind & friendly and always had a story to tell. Every time I saw Jim at the barn, he would always ask how my family & I were doing and he was never short on hugs.. It was obvious that the horses he loved & the friendships he made brought him lots of joy !
Jim will be missed.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I fondly remember afternoons in the Rosentreter house after school and endless laughs from Mr. Rosentreter in the kitchen. He always had a smile and was happy to see you. Wishing you all peace and fond memories of such a wonderful man.
I am sorry to hear of Jim passing. Jim was always a man of his word, working with Jim we always found time for a good laugh about one thing or another. Jim always looked at the positive things in life, ever when he was going through his illness he made light of it. I will miss him as a client and friend
I have had the honor of working with Jim way back in our days of The Villager in Western Springs…he always made me laugh and had a great sense of humor. Later we connected again through Buds Concrete, and it was fun to catch up. He loved his family, was such an honest man and it was a pleasure to have known him. Rest in peace Jim
Bud and Mary jo
I was one of Jim’s High School friends and after, but then we lost touch. I am so sad to hear about his passing. I loved him and am sorry he no longer walks this earth.