Mike Leifheit , co-owner of the Irish Rose Saloon in downtown Rockford, has died.
According to a Facebook post, Leifheit died Thursday, Feb. 8, after an extended illness. He had been receiving treatment at a memory-care facility since last year. He was 78.
“His family is especially grateful to Mike’s downtown friends, his wonderful staff, and all of our regulars for having helped Dad through a very difficult time last year,” his son, Drew, said in a Facebook post.
A graduate of Harlem High School and Beloit College, Leifheit opened the Old Rock River Cafe and Deli in 1982 in the State and Madison building on the corner of State and Madison streets, which became downtown Rockford’s “bar mall.”
The cafe eventually added live entertainment and a back bar, the original Irish Rose Saloon.
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In 1990, Leifheit and ex-wife, Robin, who continued to work with him in the restaurant business, moved the operation to 519 E. State St., carrying on the Irish Rose name.