Rosemary B. Meitner
August 27, 1926 - November 21, 2020
        

Rosemary B. Meitner, age 94, journeyed peacefully home on Saturday, November 21, 2020.  Rosemary was born in Addison, WI, on August 27, 1926, son of Edwin and Louise (nee: Scholz) Gehring.

Rosemary was raised in a quaint farm community in Saint Lawrence.  She demonstrated an early love of learning and completed high school, after which she engaged in secretarial work for a tanning factory and lumberyard. 

On May 21, 1949 she and her lifelong love, Gordon F. Meitner, were united in marriage at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Hartford, and they celebrated over 56 years together.  Rosemary demonstrated such appreciation for her home - built primarily by Gordon - through exceptional caretaking, and enjoyed life there for over 67 years.  She and Gordon welcomed their son, Thomas, in 1955.

Rosemary was well known for her amazing culinary prowess, and brought flavor to life for many.  Her signature dishes are staples for holiday celebrations, and will be prepared and enjoyed for years to come in her memory.  

Rosemary was an exemplary model of religious faith, and was the last remaining charter member of the St. Eugene congregation.  She exercised her faith through participation in mass, making lunches for the Hope House of Milwaukee to support those experiencing homelessness, engaging in the church’s Senior Club, volunteering for church events, and through prayer.

In earlier years, Rosemary enjoyed traveling with Gordon, spending time outdoors, bowling and golfing with friends, and joining an impassioned group of mall-walkers that bonded over coffee and bakery.  In her golden years, she devoted more leisure time to gardening, reading, crosswords, and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams.  She spoke often of her pride in her family, and abundantly shared her love with them.  Rosemary and Gordon often created memorable experiences for their grandchildren, including mini golfing, the Great Circus Parade, searching for beach glass, watching fireworks, and going on picnics.

Rosemary is lovingly remembered by her daughter-in-law Susan; grandchildren, William (Gina) Meitner, Laura (Paul) Nagel; great-grandchildren, Piper and Simon Nagel; sisters-in-law, Shirley Gehring and Donna Gehring; cousins, including Carol Zavadil; nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the St. Eugene congregation. 

Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Meitner; son, Thomas Meitner; and brothers, Jim Gehring and Gordon Gehring.

Rosemary’s family extends deepest gratitude to those who supported her in her ability to age in her home as gracefully as she lived; especially Teri Becherer, Beth Hechenbacher, Ellen Cook, and Vicki Johnson.  

Due to consideration of COVID-19, Rosemary’s descendants will gather for a private funeral mass.  Public viewing of the mass is available via livestream on Facebook through the St. Eugene page on Friday, December 4th, at 12:00 noon, and the recording will remain available there ongoing.

A Celebration of Rosemary’s Life will be held at a future date when it is safe to gather together. To honor Rosemary’s deep commitment to her faith, please kindly direct any memorial contributions to: St. Eugene Congregation, 7600 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point, WI 53217