Rosemary M. "Rosie" Siemke passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at Stonehill Care Center. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 7:00 Sunday at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. where a parish scripture wake service will be recited at 6:00 p.m..
Rosemary Margaret Mulligan was born on May 14, 1924 to James and Lena (Decher) Mulligan. Rosie was a fun-loving, outgoing and independent girl who was proud of her Irish heritage. She was an excellent student and graduated from St. Columbkille High School in 1942. She married WWII Air Force pilot Second Lieutenant Paul C. Wright at St. Columbkille Church on February 7, 1945. They had two children, Terrance and Sheila. Paul and Rosie owned and operated Wright Way Super Market until Paul's death in 1950.
Rosie married Carl Ender in 1953 and they had two sons, Robert and Laurence. Carl passed away in 1958. Rosie married Albert Siemke in 1959 and they had two daughters, Sandra and Mary. Albert passed away in 1968. Rosie worked at Mescher & Tench grocery store and retired from Flexsteel Industries in 1989.
Rosie faced many tragedies and challenges in her life, but faced them all with a spirited determination and unwavering faith that God would see her through anything that came her way. She loved family gatherings, playing cards, spending time with her friends at Alverno, having lunch with the "Holy Trinity Girls" and traveling. Rosie's travels included a pilgrimage to Medjugorje and visits to the Vatican and Ireland. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished time with her family.
Rosie was a talented seamstress and amazing cook who loved to share her talents with friends, family and her community. She was an avid volunteer and helped raise thousands of dollars for Holy Trinity Parish organizing and working many years at the fall festivals, salad bars and craft fairs. She helped organize and serve dozens of parish funeral dinners over the years, served as a Girl Scout Leader and was awarded the Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award in 2002 for her service to senior citizens. Rosie's love and generous spirit will be missed by all.
Rosie is survived by her children Terrance (Carolann) Wright of Oceanside, CA, Sheila (Paul) Donovan of Kewanee, IL, Robert (Kim) Ender of Dubuque and Sandra (Michael) Skahill of Asbury; daughter-in-law Carol Ender; grandchildren April (Chad) Plank, Andrew Wright, Heather (Aaron) VanNingen, Michelle (Michael) Finney, Stacey (Greg) Kubitz, Rob Ender, Eric (Nikki) Ender, Jamie (Stacey Beck) Ender, Mathew Ender, Shaun (Amber Beeson) Skahill and Erin Skahill; her sister Marjorie Lorenz; Sister-in-law Helen Mulligan; brother-in-law William Latimer Sr.; step-granddaughter Lynn (Dan) Tangeri and step grandson Ronnie Kohn; ten great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; son, Laurence Ender; daughter, Mary Siemke Wilson; siblings SR. Mary Lawrence Mulligan, PBVM, James (Darlene) Mulligan, John (Eileen) Mulligan, Francis Mulligan, Rita (Daniel) Maloney, Ruth (Richard) Billmeyer, Suzanna (Donald) Dempsey, Elizabeth (Edmund) Siegert, Mary Latimer; and brother-in-law Raymond Lorenz.
Rosie's family wishes to thank the staff at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving and compassionate care. A special thank you also to Archbishop Daniel Kucera for his spiritual care to Rosie
In lieu of flowers, a Rosemary Siemke memorial fund has been established.
On line condolences may be sent to www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com