Memorial

Rosalene Ann “Rosie” Allinger, 82, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, entered the kingdom of heaven on June 15th, 2025. She passed peacefully in her home following a prolonged illness.

Rosie was born in Anamosa, Iowa on December 16, 1942; the third of four children born to Merle and Lois (Kammerman) Catlett. Upon graduating from Morley High School in 1961, she moved to Davenport, where she met her soulmate, James Richard “Jim” Allinger, Jr.  The two married in Rock Island, Illinois on May 19, 1962, before Jim -- a United States Marine -- shipped out for a year-long assignment in Okinawa, Japan. When her true love returned from overseas, Rosie joined him in San Clemente, California, where they lived while he served the remainder of his 4-year enlistment. Upon successful completion of his service with the Marines, the couple returned to Iowa; initially making their home in Robins before moving to the family home in Cedar Rapids in 1970. The couple had four children who—along with Jim– and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were Rosie’s passion and joy. 

The family were members of Faith Bible Church in Robins for many years. Rosie taught private music lessons (accordion and piano) at Boddicker’s School of Music in Davenport and Cedar Rapids, and later independently, for several years. She also babysat in her home for numerous families over her lifetime. 

Rosie lost the love of her life, Jim, to cancer in March, 1988. Never quite able to recover from the tremendous loss, she held him deep in her heart until joining him in heaven 37 years later (on his would-be 82nd birthday)! Also preceding Rosie in death were her parents Merle and Lois Catlett; her mother-in-law Wanita Allinger; sister-in-law Janet Catlett; sister-in-law Tasia Freeman, brother-in-law Frank Allinger; sister-in-law Evelyn Allinger; and brother-in-law Lyle Davis.

Surviving are her children, Deanna Moser (husband Gene) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; James Richard “Rick” Allinger III (wife Sherry) of Cedar Rapids; Brian Allinger (fiancé Karin Ealy) of Tacoma, Washington; and Jeanine Kanellis (husband Ken) of Cedar Rapids; her brothers William Catlett (wife Barbara) of Monticello, Larry Catlett of Cedar Rapids, and Ken Catlett (wife Trissa) of Boone, Colorado; her sister-in-law Cathy Davis of Lincoln, Nebraska; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and friends and admirers too numerous to count. 

Rosie was a light that shone so brightly you could not help but to love and admire her. She will be truly missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. God has received a special angel.

The family would like to thank Suncrest Hospice for all the love, care, and respect they gave Rosie in her final days, and the many, many family and friends who reached out with care and kindness.  In lieu of flowers, it was Rosie’s wish that donations might be made in her name to Chains Interrupted or Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center of Cedar Rapids. 

A celebration of life service will be held at Faith Bible Church, 1800 46th St. NE, Cedar Rapids, on Saturday, June 21st, at 11:00 a.m. Per Rosie’s wishes, there will be no visitation.