Karl E. Rosenberg

Karl Edward Rosenberg, 74, died at home November 24, 2025, surrounded by his family and loving caregivers. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan (nee Swies,) son John Woody, and sister Deb Gordley. His parents Edward and Bernice, and a brother Paul, preceded him in death. He was the kind and generous uncle to Adam Swies (Nikki), Nate Swies (Tabitha), Lauren Swies, Jonathan Swies (Sarah), Dustin Swies (Cortnie), David Swies, Mallory McClellan (Jared), Kelsey McClellan (Ryan), Estella Swies, and Sophia Swies. As their families grew, Karl was blessed with 12 great-nephews and great-nieces whose presence and energy were an endearing part of family gatherings.

Karl was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in a military family which eventually landed in Wilmington, Ohio, where he graduated from high school. He received Bachelor and Master degrees from The Ohio State University, where he lettered in fencing, and served as faculty for a brief time. Karl was a devoted Buckeye fan throughout his life, still cheering on his team in the last weeks of his life. After college, he was a quantitative psychologist who pursued a 30-year career in advertising analytics, advising and consulting companies all over the world. At the turn of the century, he and his family lived in Hong Kong, where he was President of Ipsos, Asia.

Karl was an active member of Atonement Lutheran Church in Barrington, where he joyously shared his passion for music as a bass player. Through relationships at church, an Irish band was formed, and he played countless gigs with his beloved ‘Ragged Rascals’ for ten years. His favorite music genre was jazz, and throughout his life he accompanied and sat in with many bands and combos.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 10 from 4pm until 8pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 941 S. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich, Illinois 60047. The funeral service will be Thursday, December 11 beginning at 11am at Atonement Lutheran Church, 909 E. Main St., Barrington, Illinois 60010. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made for the benefit the Holy Family School in Lawndale: 
Holy Family Ministries, 2215 Enterprise Dr., Suite 1510, Westchester, IL 60154. 
Please be sure to note that the donation is in memory of Karl.