Rosemary Mullen
Rosemary Mullen (nee Sigl), 92, Appleton, died Thursday, February 14, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Hortonville, Wisconsin, on April 22, 1920 to Walter & Veronica Sigl. She graduated from Appleton High School followed by Business College.
She married her wonderful husband, Chris "Jim", on May 17, 1941 at St Joseph's Church and together they raised 10 children: Chris (Marilyn) of Phoenix, Patrick (Francy) of Menominee, Dan (Donna) of Green Bay, Mary LaViolette (Sherman) of Sheboygan, Bill (deceased), Jim of Menasha, Bob (Lorna) of Hortonville, Jeff (Bobbie) of Appleton, Tim (Linda) of Rockford, Illinois, and Anne (Gabe) Arzer of Grayslake, Illinois.
She has 28 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband Jim; a son Bill; a daughter-in-law Connie; a son-in-law Richard Tibbals; and a granddaughter Molly. In addition, all her brothers & sisters have predeceased her.
In her spare time, Rosemary belonged to the Monte Alverno Retreat House Guild, the St Joe's Choir for 20 years, Secular Franciscans for 65 years and the prayer shawl ministry. She was a Eucharistic Minister, Promoter of the Miraculous Medal, volunteer at St Joe's Food Pantry, charter member of the Xavier Food Fair and she attended innumerable school events for her children and grandchildren.
Rosemary loved family get-togethers and "traditions". She didn't need reunions because her kids got together for Christmas, Memorial Day weekend, 4th of July, Peninsula State Park in late July, Labor Day "at the farm" and Thanksgiving. She enjoyed traveling with her husband around the U.S., spending winters in Gulf Shores, but always returned to their beloved Wisconsin. They made several trips to Europe and her favorite was visiting her ancestral hometown of Zweisel, Germany. She continued to travel in her later years to Rome and Alaska. She also fulfilled a lifelong dream when she visited the Holy Land about 7 years ago. In the early years of kids in diapers everywhere, she still valued a yearly "family vacation" whether it was a cottage in Northern Wisconsin or a family trip with 8 kids to Yellowstone National Park!
She had a great sense of humor and loved being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She taught them to play "Kings' Corners" and taught the kids to be gracious winners and losers.
Rose sent cards to every single family member, containing a crispy new bill, on Birthdays, Anniversaries and Valentine's Day. Her calendar was a thing to behold!
She was a devout Catholic and inspired those around her to live a life of faith. An inveterate lighter of vigil lights, she had a jar of intentions on her kitchen counter and whenever the family had an issue, health or otherwise, they started by asking Mom for her prayers. She seemed to have a direct line!
She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and role model for her entire clan that numbers nearly 90! Her life was a testimony to the power of prayer.
The funeral liturgy for Rosemary will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 18, 2013, at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH (410 West Lawrence St.) with Father Jim Leary, O.M.F. Cap. officiating. A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, February 17, 2013, from 4:00 p.m. until the prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN (537 N. Superior St.) and again on Monday at the CHURCH from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com. A memorial fund has been established in Rosemary's name
The family would like to thank the caring staff of Brewster Village who helped so much during our Mom's last days
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rosemary, knowing your son Tim and reading your obituary, you not only led an impressive life but very inspirational. God Bless You, dear lady.
John Fayhee
February 23, 2013
Dear Chris and Marilyn,
We enjoyed reading about your mother. She was a remarkable woman. It is always sad to lose those we love, but you will always have the wonderful memories of her.
Our sympathy to you and your family.
Carl and Marlene Kumbalek
February 19, 2013
As a one time neighbor I remember at 7pm the rosary would come over the radio and if you were in the house you had to participate. Truly Mrs. Mullen was a wonderful compassionate person and everyone who knew her will miss her.
John Sipple
February 19, 2013
Dear Mullen Family, I've run into your beautiful Mother very often at daily mass for the past many years. Heaven must be rejoicing! I'll never forget as a child her words "Jesus Mercy", especially while she was driving! Peace, Love and Fond memories to You All.
Sally Follett
February 18, 2013
Dear Mullen Family (-Wonderful Commercial Street Neighbors),
What a VERY SPECIAL woman your mom was! Her friendship was TRULY a blessing to our mom and dad (Rosemary & Clem Rankin), as well as to us! (And what a JOYOUS CELEBRATION we are SURE there was when she joined your dad, our parents, and all others waiting for her arrival in heaven!) Although we will not be able to be with you in person, we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary (Rankin)& Bert Wiegand
February 17, 2013
Feb 17, 2013
Dear Cousins,
I will always remember your folks as very special people who truly knew how to love. One special memory is that of your folks sitting in front of me at St. Mary's at a relative's wedding holding hands and giving each other loving glances as the priest proceeded through the words of the marriage vows. It was so tender. It seems significant that Rosemary passed on on Valentine's Day. God's peace be with each and everyone of you.
Mary Hildebrandt Resch
February 17, 2013
Our Mom, Arlene Gage, sends her deepest sympathies to the entire Mullen family as she remembers her dear friend, "Rosie". We remember Rosie and Chris (as they called him), two of our parents' closest friends, who were always at our home for parties, weddings, and other events. Rosie was such a loving and intelligent woman, a real pleasure to be around and a bright spot in our Mother's life since they met when they were teenagers in the 1930s. We will all miss her.
David Gage
February 16, 2013
To know Rosemary Mullen was to know a dear cheerful lady who was endeared to her family.
When I was stationed at St Joe's in Appleton, She and her family were there.They brough much enthusiasm to the parish and the Cavern Coffee house.
Fortunately they children will carry on the smile and the joy of their mother.
Fr Timon Costello
February 16, 2013
We'll always remember her sweet smile, gentle spirit and sense of humor. I know she'll be missed but she' earned her passage to the Light.
Carol & John Denil
February 16, 2013
Jeff, BB & Family,
What a great lady. One can tell that, not only by knowing her, but by virtue of the values, that she instilled in her children. Her family, truly reflects her morals, and values, and we can't think of a better gift, for her to have left behind. She surely fullfilled her motherly goals. She will live on in all of you forever. How lucky you all have been, to have a Mom, & Grandma, like her.
Our deepest sympathy.
Gary & Cindy Anderson
February 16, 2013
Dear Mary & family,
So moved when reading the lovely tribute to your mother. What a wonderful life. She spread her love of life to all of you. Cherish the memories. A mother's love is always with you. Sincerely, Tom & Pat Grams
February 16, 2013
The reunion with JIM in heaven must have been exceptional...God bless all the Mullen family as they mourn the loss of their God loving mother. We are with you in spirit and prayers. Sending HUGS, Mike & Linda Tauschek
February 16, 2013
OBIT was beutiful, she was a great lady.. Tom and Linda
February 16, 2013
Dear Mullen Family,
You have our sympathy at this time in the loss of your beloved mother Rosemary. We knew Rosemary being a neighbor, St Joes and Xavier High School. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dick and Lynn Miller
February 16, 2013
Dear Mullen Family, May God bless and give you comfort as you celebrate the life of this wonderful woman. Our thoughts are with you all. What joy there must be in heaven even as we feel sorrow for her loss here on earth.
All our love,
Shirley Dwyer and Tom Vernachio (York, PA)
Shirley Dwyer
February 16, 2013
Jim, you are in my thoughts at this time. Deepest sympathies. Judy Heller (Santiago)
Judy Heller
February 16, 2013
Dear Mullen Family,
Your mom was a wonderful women. Rosemary was my god mother and we have remained in touch all these years! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Kay Kurey Poinier
February 15, 2013
Dear Mullen family,Sorry for your loss of such a wonderful women,I ran into Rose often an enjoyed talking to her,missed but never forgotten Dave and Mary Koehler
mary koehler
February 15, 2013
Mom, you were and are an inspiration to all of us. We miss you and know you are watching over us with Dad. Love, Mary
February 15, 2013
Dear Mom,
Thanks for being the best mom ever. Love, Tim, Linda, Beth, Brett, Ryan & Casey
Tim Mullen
February 15, 2013
Mom, we love you and miss you. All your loving children
February 14, 2013
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