Thomas Wayne Rosene, 60, of St. Joseph, passed away at 5:00 p.m. Saturday (August 14, 2010) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, after a brief battle with cancer. A visitation will be held Wednesday (August 18) from 4 to 8 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd, Urbana. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (August 21) at Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville. Tom was born May 29, 1950 in Galesburg, IL, a son of Wayne and Jane Andrews Rosene. He married Jennifer Lynn Davis on May 27, 1972. She survives. Tom is survived by a daughter, Stephanie (John) Farney and grandson, Nathaniel Farney, all of Urbana. He is also survived by his brother, John (Candace) Rosene, of Galesburg; sister-in-law Susan Jo (David) Melton of Rockford; father-in-law, Gene Davis, of Savoy; an aunt, 3 nieces, 4 nephews and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Tom was a graduate of Knoxville High School. He received his Bachelors, Masters and Specialist in Education Degrees at Western Illinois University. He served as a teacher, building principal and district superintendent during his nearly 40 year career in education. He retired after a distinguished career with the Illinois State Board of Education in March 2010. Tom dedicated his life to the education of children throughout the state of Illinois. In honor of his accomplishments, Tom was awarded the 2010 Illinois Association of Regional School Superintendents "Friend of Education" award. Tom loved NASCAR and with his son-in-law made numerous trips to his favorite track, Michigan International Speedway. A life long St. Louis Cardinals fan, Tom was blessed to go with his brother and other family to Cardinals Spring Training this past March. A budding photographer, Tom had plans to attend classes in digital photography prior to becoming ill. Tom was adored by his grandson and proudly wore the title, Grandpa. Memorials may be directed to the Junior League of Champaign-Urbana Backpack Buddies Program or the Heritage School District Library Fund. Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.