Wanda E. Zettle, age 59 of Rockford, IL, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at OSF St. Anthony Hospital in Rockford. She was born March 5, 1966 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI; the daughter of the late Elmer and Dixie (Bender) Zettle.

Wanda was a 1984 graduate of Freeport High School. She went on to Highland Community College where she graduated with an Associated of Applied Science in 1999. She later received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Olivet Nazarene University in 2012. Wanda was a nurse for 25 years working at the Sojourn House in Freeport (1999-2000), Rockford Memorial (2000-2018), and Mercy Health (2018-present). She loved her job and the team that surrounded her. Her co-workers were like family to her.

She loved the outdoors, ziplining, hiking, and kayaking. She also had a passion for fashion and loved walking her dog, Dakota. She also had two beloved cats, Mertle & Henery. Wanda was outspoken and you always knew where you stood with her. She is best described as crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. She always signed her messages with a peace sign and a heart to say “peace and love, out.”

Wanda is survived by her son, James Cobb; sister, Diana (William) Schmelzer; niece, Roseanne (Cody Wellington) Zettle; nephews, Mike (Amber) Schmelzer and Troy Schmelzer; and great-nephews, Liam & Raef Schmelzer and Ethan Wellington. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Scott Zettle; great-nephew, Lucas Wellington; maternal grandparents; paternal grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Walker Mortuary in Freeport, IL. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 12:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at the Freeport Eagles Club on March 7, 2026. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens at a later date. A memorial fund has been established in her name. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.