Rosemary Laufenberg

Rosemary C. Laufenberg, age 89, died early Saturday morning, September 10, 2016, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home of Lancaster. She was born on March 2, 1927, the second daughter of Otto and Emma (Junk) Valentine at home in Cassville. Rosemary and her younger sister, Doris, worked on the farm helping their dad with chores. They plowed and planted corn, with one on the plow and one driving the horse. They threw loose hay from the wagon to the haymow. Nine and a half years later, twin siblings were born. Rosemary walked to St. Charles School every day, then later to Cassville High School. She graduated at the age of 17 and then went to work at the Mount Hope restaurant. She married Lee Laufenberg on November 22, 1946. Rosemary and Lee settled and farmed in Mount Hope, Fennimore, and later North Andover. In 1969, Rosemary and Lee moved back to Mount Hope where Lee worked for Kussmaul Seeds for many years. They built a home in the Village of Mount Hope. After her husband Lee died, Rosemary and her son, Jack, moved to Sunrise Valley Apartments in Lancaster. She spent the last two years of her life at Orchard Manor. Rosemary was a homemaker and raised her six children. She was a wonderful cook and baker. Rosemary worked at West Grant Schools as a cook from 1970 until her retirement, enjoying work very much. She dearly loved her children and grandchildren. Rosemary loved to read and crochet. She made an afghan for all of her grandchildren as a gift for graduation. Rosemary also made several of her great-grandchildren's baby afghans.

She is survived by her six children: Kenneth "Ken" (Phyllis) Laufenberg, Columbus, WI; Lynn (Mary Jane) Laufenberg, Nashotah, WI; Dianne (Roger) Heffner, Lancaster, WI; John "Jack" Laufenberg, Lancaster, WI; Donald "Don" (Patti) Laufenberg, Madison, WI; Susan Laufenberg, Rhinelander, WI; 12 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; six step great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter. Rosemary is also survived by three siblings: Doris McLimans, Fennimore, WI; Pauline (Jack) Droessler, Platteville, WI; Paul (Judy) Valentine, Lancaster, WI; In-Laws: LeRoy Laufenberg, Doris Krogman, Carl Laufenberg, Carolyn Keeney, Joanne (Mike) Carroll, Harry (Linda) Miller and many nieces and nephews.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, Lee (just shy of their 60^th wedding anniversary); a sister, Helen Driscoll; brothers-in-law: Ray "Elwood" Stoeffler, Gerald Wiest, Ray McLimans, Edwin "Ed" Keeney, Chuck Krogman, and Larry Driscoll; sisters-in-law: Margie Miller, Belva Laufenberg, Ardith Laufenberg and Arlene Stoeffler.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Reverend John Sasse officiating. Burial was in St. Lawrence O'Toole Cemetery, Mount Hope. Family and friends called on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster is assisting the family.

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff and residents of Orchard Manor, who lovingly cared for Rosemary.