In loving memory of

Rosie Gathje
March 1, 1940 - December 6, 2017

St. Charles

Rose Marie Gathje passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at home surrounded by her loving family as she lost her courageous five year battle with ovarian cancer. Rosie was born on March 1, 1940, to Leo and Marie (Palmby) Reisdorf. The Reisdorf's farmed in the Elba area. Rosie graduated from St. Charles High School in 1958 and then completed 1 year of nursing training in Rochester. On June 6, 1959, Rosie married Stephen Gathje and the two began dairy farming northwest of St. Charles where they lived for over 29 years.

Rosie was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and Court St. Charles Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Rosie served in many capacities within the church including faith formation teacher, Rosary Society, eucharistic minister, and serving communion at the care center. Rosie also enjoyed a neighborhood homemakers group and the Piece Makers quilting club in Plainview. She also gladly served meals on wheels for several years. Rosie was well known for her cake decorating as she created hundreds of graduation and wedding cakes. She was a devoted and hard working farm wife. Rosie always took time to help others through her expert talents of sewing and baking. Rosie was fondly known as the ' baby whisperer', blessing many babies and children with her love.

Rosie is survived by all 9 of her children; Mike (Mary) of Union Grove, WI, Tom (Trish) of Rochester, MN, Dale (Vicki) of St. Charles, MN, Scott (Denise) of Richmond, MN, Ed (Mary) Warmkagathje of St. Charles, MN, Gerry (Sandy) of Chatfield, MN, Sharon (Bradley) Howe of Minot, ND, Sandra (Mark) Schroeder of Rochester, MN, Connie (Scot) Kretzschmar of Lakeville, MN. She has 37 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Rosie is also survived by both of her siblings, John (Judy) Reisdorf of Aptos, CA and Bob (Sharon) Reisdorf of Polo, MO. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen (2016) and 3 grandbabies, Judah and Micah Warmkagathje and Isaac Schroeder.

Rosie was loved by all her devoted children and cherished by many in the community.

A Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with the Reverend Tim Biren officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church from 7-9 p.m. Friday and 9 - 11 a.m. Saturday. Please share a memory of Rosie at her online guestbook and view her video tribute, when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.

Tributes

Silvana Asselle Felizia wrote on Jan 10, 2019:

"Too late I found out she passed away.... but I'll nevere forget her in my memories !! Silvana, Torino/Italy"

Angie Berg wrote on Dec 10, 2017:

"We will miss you miss Rosie. Things we remember...Everytime we passed their house my kids waves at them Steve & Rose and say "hi Grandma..hi Grandpa" RIP."

Micki Siebenaler Lesch wrote on Dec 8, 2017:

"I am so sorry, I am thinking of you all. What a wonderful mother Rosie was to you. When I think of her it is always with a smile and the great sense of humor that she had. :) "

Cheryl Nintemann wrote on Dec 8, 2017:

"Rosie has been a part of the fabric backdrop of my life forever. From homemakers with my mom, school activities, parties and gardening. And after my Mom died she would check on me and make sure I was okay. She became a mentor for my quilting and sewing and never failed to share a hug and an "I love you" when we hugged. She will be missed greatly. All my love and many prayers for her family. "

Leonard & Rose Pieper wrote on Dec 8, 2017:

"We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. We both went to school with your Mom and Dad. They were fun people to be with. We enjoyed talking to her at the 60th class reunion. You have our deepest sympathy. Leonard and Rose Pieper, Cornell WI."

Marnie Gieseke wrote on Dec 7, 2017:

"Dear Connie, Scot, and the rest of the Gathje family~ We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for peace as you try to make sense of this loss. God Bless, Marnie, Eric, Carter and Harrison Gieseke"

John Schaber wrote on Dec 7, 2017:

"Saying prayers for the entire family "

Shirley Carlson, class of '57 and Fred Carlson wrote on Dec 6, 2017:

"We are so sorry to hear of Rosie's passing. Since Steve was in the SCHS Class of '57, we invited your mom to attend our 60th reunion in August at the Moose Club. She expressed how happy she was, that we had done that and she enjoyed it very much. Our deepest sympathy to each member of your family. May God comfort you and watch over your families in this time of sorrow."

Janell Dahl wrote on Dec 6, 2017:

"Tom and Trish, Dale and Vicki, We are sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a nice lady and I am glad her suffering is over. We are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. I can only imagine all the great memories you share. Hold them close and know she is watching over you all. Orv and Janell Dahl"

Sue Bedtka wrote on Dec 6, 2017:

"Sympathies to all of the Gathje families. Dale and Sue Bedtka"