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Eugene G. Rossmark Jr.

FUNERAL HOME

Schimunek Funeral Home

610 W MacPhail Rd

Bel Air, Maryland

Eugene Rossmark Obituary

ROSSMARK JR , Eugene G. On Septmeber 15, 2007, EUGENE G. "Gene", beloved son of Dawn Rossmark and the late Eugene G. Rossmark; devoted brother of April Nottingham and her husband Jeff, dear uncle of Ryan Nottingham; loving grandson of Dorothy "Nan" Rossmark and the late George "PopPop" Rossmark and the late Melvin "Dad" Kreisel. Also survived by many other family members and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to call SCHIMUNEK FUNERAL HOME OF BEL AIR INC., 610 W. MacPhail Road (Rt 24) on Tuesday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. where services will be held on Wednesday at 11 A.M. Interment private.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Baltimore Sun on Sep. 16, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Rossmark

170 Entries

Jess

September 10, 2024

17 years and you are not and never will be forgotten! You were and still are loved so very much Gene! I know you and your mom are up there together looking down on all your love ones together! You are missed more than you could ever have imagined. My heart will always hold a special place for you! Love Jess (Cake)

Mary Roschel

October 3, 2008

Hello Dawn,
I know you don't know me, but my prayers will be with you always. Gene was a wonderful young man. Sorry this is closing down. Just wanted to tell you that you have many of us in the school system that loved Gene. But I'm sure you know that by now. God bless you and your family.

Genie With His Prize Winning Bass

September 30, 2008

Catch and Release " Genie 2004 "

September 30, 2008

Mother and Son "CHRISTMAS 2005"

September 30, 2008

Hey Dad It's Time For A Beer

September 30, 2008

There Getting Bigger

September 30, 2008

Here Ape I Caught One For You

September 30, 2008

Columbia Competition "I WOWED THE CROWDS "

September 30, 2008

Rock State Park

September 30, 2008

There's That Smile You Love MOM

September 30, 2008

Eric and Gene " BEST BUDDIES "

September 30, 2008

Me and Pop "1987"

September 30, 2008

Uncle Gene and Ryan Just Chillin

September 30, 2008

Brother and Sister FOREVER

September 29, 2008

I Miss You Uncle Gene

September 29, 2008

Dawn RossmarkBel

September 17, 2008

Dearest Gene:
One more thing before your Guestbook goes off line.

As you would leave every evening to go somewhere you would always say
"See you around downtown Dawn"

Now I can say
"See you around downtown in heaven Gene"

Words can never quite express how a Mother feels in her heart. You know how much I love you and miss you.
I love you My Son

My gift from God
My one and only Son
My "sparkle in your eyes child"
My Sonshine

Forever and Ever Gene
The Whole World

Your one and only Mom

Love you bunches
Mom

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Jim Bertier

September 17, 2008

From your ol' dad Jim,
I can't begin to describe how much I miss you both as a friend and a co-worker. Looking at the empty chair in the office for over 2 months was very difficult as you always greeted me in a cheerful way every workday morning. We all miss you so much when we get together for happy hour and our golf outings too. I'm not too good at putting things into words but I wanted you to know that you will always be the son we never had to Patty and I. Another Led Zeppelin band concert is coming up and I know you will be ther with me. You are always in my thoughts . Love, Jim

Jessica

September 16, 2008

Dear Gene
I wrote yesterday but do not know why it did not appear. I went to your tree last night after work and left flowers I know you know becasue I knew you were there with me. I just there next to the tree for quite some time and just cried. We watched the sun set togehter and it was beautiful.
I was writing yesterday about our many memories together. Gene we have so many memories together. I love you and your family so much i always have and I know that I always will.I have so many fond memories of you and I with them. b THe time your mom and I would spend shopping together for you and going through Bass Pro catalogs. And how you would dog ear the pages or mark them with sticky notes. How I would go to work with your mom and sit there while she worked and I would read a book. The New Years that we spent with your sister and we went to the hibachi grill place that after we left April and I were complaining about how bad our hair smelled from being in there. ANd then going back to their house that night and spending the night. We had good times with Ape. I remember the first time I met your dad at your Grandmothers house. I remember how sweet your grandmother was and how she loved whenever I would make her chocolate. I remember also that one New Years Eve that we babysat together for your Aunt Sandy. I remember all the times that we would go fishing after I got out of school and you would fish and I would just sit there and watch you or I would do my homework. I remember the "super" van. I remember the thousands of times that I would go with you and Doug and Jason to Rocks State park and sit there while you climbed. Remember when we went to the climbing gym and I was repelling that girl and my hair got caught. I remember the time that your mom and I were so scared becuase it came across the tv that someone had fallen at Rocks and she rushed over to pick me up cause we knew you were there. WE got ther and your van was the only one in the parking lot we were so scared so we both just started running down the trail to where you were. I know what your thinking that had to be a sight to be seen your mom and I running. When we got there we had a huge sigh of relief as we looked over the edge and were hanging there just kicking off the rock eating some fruit. We could have beat you we were so worried and you were just so not chalant. I remember the first fish I caught was at the pond and the great blue herring flew off with it while it was still on my line. We laughed about that for a long time. All the Christmases that we would put the tree up and decorate it with your mom. HOw we always watched Dawsons Creek and Felicity togther and if I had college the night it came on you would tape it and wait to watchit with me the next night we never missed it. I could go on forever with memories that we shared they were the best times. I wish we could turn back time and do everythign over again, you would still be here and we all would not be hurting so bad. This past year has been the hardest of my life. The crying, the pain the depression its so much. I can not wait to make even more memories with you in heaven. Until I see oyu again please keep watching over us especially your mother. I love you Gene you will always be my Pan and I will always be your Cake.

Marissa

September 15, 2008

Love I just wanted to say I love you and miss you with all of my heart. Not sure how I have made it this far. Please continue to make sure that we are ok. I purposely did not tell the children that today is one year. I have tried to make sure that they remember the positive things and I did not want to take them back to that horrible night today. I am grieving enough for all 3 of us. Until I see you again know that I love you and I miss you with every ounce of my being. xoxoxoxoxoooooooooooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxo

Dawn Rossmark

September 15, 2008

GENIE

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LOVING ME THE WAY YOU DID.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE HELP YOU GAVE ME WHEN I INJURED MYSELF.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE HUGS AND 'I LOVE YOU MOM'
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE HAPPINESS YOU GAVE ME IN YOUR SHORT TIME HERE
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONCERN, YOUR KINDNESS, YOUR CARING FOR OTHER PEOPLE
THANK YOU FOR BEING MY 'SONSHINE'

YOUR ONE AND ONLY MOM

I LOVE YOU GENE WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL
FOREVER AND EVER GENE
THE WHOLE WORLD

MY SON
MY PRECIOUS CHILD
MY HAPPINESS
MY DIMPLED FACED SON

THIS IS NOT GOODBYE
THIS IS UNTIL I SEE YOU AGAIN
WAIT FOR ME GENE, IT WON'T BE LONG BEFORE YOU MOM IS THERE WITH YOU.

I LOVE YOU WITH EVERYTHING I HAVE INSIDE OF ME

YOUR ONE AND ONLY MOM
XOXOXOXOX

Jessica Walls

September 15, 2008

Dear Gene,
I can not believe it has been one year. One year without you here on earth and in all our lives. One full year of complete misery and depression. I can't think of any other time that I have cried so much in one year.

Gene you are an amazing person. Everyone that ever met you was blesssed to have had you in their lives.
My mom and talk about you all the time and the many memories that we shared. My family loved you Gene, just as I know that yours loved me. I loved your mom and sister just like they were my own. I have so many fond memories of us with your mom, and us with your sister, and us with your grand mother, and making your grandmother candy...i remember how much she loved that. And shopping with your mom, and spending the day with her while she was working and I would read a book. I remember meeting your dad for the first time. All the Dawson Creeks and Felicity shows we would religously watch together and if I had college that night you would tape them and wait for me before you would watch them. Both of our wonderful proms together, the endless times that you would pick me up after school and I would go fishing with you and you would fish and I would sit beside you (or in the "SUPER van" and watch you fish and I would do my homework, or the many times that we would go to Rock State park for you to rock climb and I would be so nervous and I would just sit and wait at the top for you. Speaking of rock climbing I remember the day that someone feel from there and your mom and I heard it on the news and she rushed over picked me and we drove up there because we knew you were there, we got there to find your van to be the only one in the parking lot and that awful feeling we both had in our stomachs as we are running (yes i know funny your mom and I both RUNNING) down the path to the king and queens seat, as we both look over the edge to see you with a huge sigh of relief, then we wanted to beat you for scaring us so bad and your just kicked back hanging there kicking off the rock eating a piece of fruit. Its funny now but it sure was not then. The new years that we spent with Jeff and April and we went to that hibachi grill place and how April and I were complaining how bad our hair smelled when we left there, and we went back and spent the night with them at there house. I remember babysitting for your Aunt Sandy one new years too. And all of our many many trips to ocean city the day after thanksgiving. Goodness Gene I could go on and on here for ever. My love for you is still here and it will never go away it will never fade away. I remember clearly the day we first met and you had given Layla your number to give to me and on the way out of the cafeteria you were coming in as I was leaving and you said to me with that amazing smile of yours "so are you going to call me up?" and the rest is history. Its like it was yesterday and I really wish it were. Oh how things would be soooooo much different. This certainly would have never happened to you. Gosh I just wish the tears could make me feel better but they dont the hurt just will not ever go away... I love you Pan!!! Always and forever your CAKE!!!!

In Memory of Gene

September 15, 2008

Dawn Rossmark

September 15, 2008

My Sweet Son:
It is the 15th of September. The date that I have been dreading for the last few weeks.

This is the day when I got the news that you were killed. I still remember every second of that morning. A morning that will forever stand out in my mind. The morning when I knew I had died also.

The horrible, horriffic, traumatic news that will be embedded in my mind for the rest of my life, and in my heart.

My son you were so loved by me. I want you to know that I tried all your life to keep you secure and safe. We had so many happy times you and I. Learning how to raise a son was through your eyes Gene. Your passion for so many things. Your big heart. They will be always remembered.

What a fun child you were. Your soccer games will never be forgotten. It made my heart swell with pride at you making right wing.
I was scared at first when you started climbing, but you would look at me and give me that smile and tell me "don't worry Mom, I'll be fine"

Of course I worried everytime, but when you got into competitions you really wowed the crowds. Climbing all that way up and than turning to the crowd and than ripping your shirt off. You brought the house down that day.

When you got your boat, and I was worried that it was too windy that day or that it had rained, I'd be calling you to make sure your were ok.

I remember when you would come home from school and tell me to please check your clothes, because as you were walking down the halls dryer strips would be falling out of your shirt or pants. Boy did we have a laugh over that.

You were born on a Sunday Genie, how ironic that you died on a Sunday.

I did the best that I could as a single Mother to give you a happy life. I hope that you shared those thoughts. I remember one night we were talking and you told me "you had the best childhood a boy could have"

Remember our helicopter ride? They were filming a movie at Giant, and you and I got picked to run to the helicopter and fly off. It was so much fun.

I am screaming in my mind right now Gene. I never wanted this to be real. I was in a catatonic state for so many months. I had convinced myself so well that I would wake up and you would be here, home, safe.

My grieving is so profound. I have not been able to stop the tears. Maybe I do not want them to stop because I feel like that meant that I had forgot you.

I want you to be happy and loved where you are. I talked to your Dad and told him he better take care of you in heaven. It was nice to know that he apologized to me. I know his heart was in the right place at that time.

Honey, what more can I say except I love you with every fiber of my being. Being your Mom is an honor to me. A medium told me that you and I are soul-mates. I can believe that because of our close connection.

Genie, rest in peace. There is no way on this earth that I, your Mom will ever stopping missing you and loving you.

GOD BLESS YOU SON

My Sonshine
My dimpled face child
My heart and soul
My zest for life child
MY GENE

Forever and ever Genie
The whole world

WITH ALL THE LOVE IN MY HEART I REMAIN YOUR MOM

Love you with all my heart and soul

Mom xoxoxoxox

Marissa

September 14, 2008

Hello, love. I am sitting here tonight watching a beautiful sunset. As I stare out into the woods behind our house I cannot help but imagine you here. I have spent a lot of time thinking these past few days. It was one year ago tonight that I met your Mom, Ryan, April and Jeff before the bull roast. I remember that your Mom hugged me before I left and whispered in my ear, Thank you for making my son so happy. We went on to have a wonderful time that evening. After we got home we sat on my back porch for a little while and looked at the stars and talked about our lives and our future plans. I then feel asleep in your arms. It was the perfect night. After that it all became a nightmare that will never be forgotten.

Although our time together was 3 short weeks I can say that I was truly blessed to spend that time with you. Many people go through life not ever meeting their soul mate. Yet God lead us together.

Each time I fluff my clothes, I think of you saying I have to see this because you couldn't believe that I fluffed my clothes too. I remember each of our long talks. The many, many things that we had in common like Berry Berry Kix, our floor mats, face scrub, ice cream. It was all so wonderful. I remember your dimpled smile and how you let me score when we played soccer with the kids. And when I called you on it you just said that you were taking it easy on me. I remember you laughing at me for having baby wipes in the van after we went fishing. Ordering the same thing at every meal without even talking about it.

You taught me that true love is possible and that when you find it you will know it. It won't be hard or complicated, it will just fall in your lap when you least expect it. I know that God put you in my life to show me that happiness is possible and that geninuine people do really exist. I will never understand why he only allowed me to experience 3 weeks of this but I am sure that he has his reasons.

And it's not just me that has been blessed to meet you. You left a wonderful impression on everyone that you came in contact with.

I want to thank you for our time together, for every kind, sweet word that you ever said to me. I thank you for being there for my children and for being there to take care of your Mom.

It's hard to think that tomorrow this book will be closed. It will be another chapter in this nightmare that will be over. Gene we all know that you are in a better place but that does not make it any easier for us down here. I know that you are watching over all of us and that you come when we need you but I can't even explain how badly we all want you here.

Until I see you on the other side, know that not a single day passes that I do not think of you, that I do not cry, that I don't go somewhere and imagine you with me. I have prayed that each day things will get easier for everyone but instead I think that we have all just became a pro at hiding our pain and putting on our happy faces.

I'm never going to say goodbye, just I will see you when God calls me home. I love you with all of my heart and soul. xoxoxoxo

Dawn Rossmark

September 14, 2008

My Dearest Son,
Tonight was the last night I saw you on earth. It still does not seem real to me and it never will. The pain of losing you is a trial of strength for me. My strength is gone, chipped away at everyday by the harsh reality of never seeing you again.

For a Mother to lose her child is the worst anguish she can go through. There are many aspects to being a Mother, it is love, comfort, tenderness, sharing, caring, putting a bandaid on your "boo boo", when you were little to having nice long talks about life when you were older. I am so grateful that you could come to me with everything that bothered you.

I know our Lord Jesus is with you and the whole family. I cannot reason this out in my mind. I guess I never will. I went to your tree today to make sure everything is ok. Your plaque is so beautiful.

I went to the county yesterday with Vicki to see their memorial to you and I broke down in tears. Genie, it is beautiful. They also put a tree in for you. These people have been so good to me. Jim especially. He knows how much I am suffering. He is always there to lend a helping hand.

You are my heart Gene, and you know you always will be.

With all the love in my heart it is for you Genie. Your mother will never come to terms with this.

My Sonshine
My precious Son
My dimpled faced child

I love you Gene
Forever and Ever Gene
The whole World

Your Mom
xoxoxoxoxo

April Nottingham

September 13, 2008

My Dearest Brother Gene,
Tonight, Sat night the 13th, is the Ravens Nest bullroast. I could not go. The one good thing about last years bullroast is that I thank God for giving me that night with you. As for the people that really mattered in your life, God chose me to be with you on the final night of your life. I will forever be grateful for that. We even reached back and hugged each other one more time. This has been the roughest year of my life. This kind of pain never goes away. My life will forever be changed by this. Im sure God has his reason for this. It still doesnt make the pain any less. Ryan misses you alot. We talk about you. Jeff misses all your heckling about Dundalk, and your undying love for the County. Ha Ha! You dished it out to me also!!
I love you very much, you will be a part of my life forever. Hope you and Dad are together doing all the things you should be. Rest in peace. NO more worries hun, no young person deserves the burdens you carried through your life.
With all my love always-Ape xo

September 12, 2008

A Million Times

You never said I'm leaving
You never said good-bye
You were gone before I knew it
And only God knew why

A million times we've needed you,
A million times we've cried.
If love alone could've saved you,
You never would have died.

In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place,
No one else will ever fill.

It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone.
Part of us went with you,
The day God took you home.

Dawn Rossmark

September 11, 2008

Dearest Genie,
Today is the 11th of September. In a few more days you will have been gone for 1 year. It hurts so bad to say that. All I have done for the past 2 weeks is cry.
Genie, I still can't believe it. Honey, I try and try to get to that place where by now I should be accepting of this but I cannot. It is too horrific. My mind still cannot handle this. I hurt so bad in my heart. I look at your pictures with your fabulous smile, and those dimples and I want to reach in and take you out and bring you back home where you belong.
Why, why did this monstrous thing have to happen to you. I ask God all the time "why". Why was it my son?. I get no answers. They say that when someone you love dies, it is an opportunity for you soul to grow. How in the world can my soul grow when the most beautiful son that a Mother can have is so tragically taken from her.
Our souls are suppose to learn. Learn what? Learn about how much pain is in your heart. Learn that you can have a hole in your heart bigger than yourself. Learn that the death of your child puts you in a very dark tunnel that you feel you will never come out of.
All I know right now sweetheart is that I miss you more than you could even fathom. I love you with a love that only a Mother could have for her child.
The only thing that I can count on is the knowledge that when I leave this dark hole I will be with you. My son, I talk with you every night and pray that your Dad is watching over you and loving you with everything he has in him till I can be with you.
You see Gene, life is not tidy and nice anymore. Society places that on us especially when people are grieving. You have to wrap everything up and cover up your grief. I am not going to do that. I cannot do that.
I wear my love for you on my sleeve and will continue to do so. Jim and I spent time together yesterday at the park, and instead of making it tidy and nice around him, I came right out as your Mom with all my insecurities and fear, my heartache and just how much you mean to me.
I think for the year Jim has kept alot in and his pain is deep Gene. I think it still bothers him to go in the office in the morning. He loves you like a Dad Gene, and he told me you are always in his heart and prayers. You will never be forgotten by him Gene.
I talked with Vicki and I am glad that I did. You meant the world to her Gene. She told me that a person is lucky to have met at least one person in their life that made such an impression on another. She told me lots of people never meet a person like you, but you are that one person that she met that made such an impact on her. She told me that she will never meet another man like you ever again in her life. She said you were the most genuine person she had ever met, somebody so real. She considers it an honor to have known you. Her and Jim and a few other people are going to McGirks and I do believe that the conversation will revolve around you.
Oh by the way Mister 21, the county retired your number. I am so proud to be the Mother of Mister 21, sorry I mean my one and only son who drove truck number 21.
I do believe you still come by and visit me. I believe that with all my heart and soul. I hear you. I know when my onry son is around. I love it Genie. Please don't ever stop.

With all the Love that I have in my heart, it is for you Son.

My Sonshine
My Precious Son
My Gift from God

Your Loving Mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Jessica

September 11, 2008

AS the terrible date gets closer it gets harder and harder to really believe that it has been one year that sucha wonderful person was so foolishly taken from those who love him. You will never ever ever be forgotten Gene. You will forever remain in our hearts thoughts and prayers and that is a promise!!!! Catch me a big fish while your fishing up there sweetie. You always did when you were down here. I miss youlike crazy....Love YOUR CAKE

dalton

September 8, 2008

i had a good time fishing with you. last time we want fishing with mommy i lost all ov my line.i wish you ckod fix my line

Destiny-Ann

September 8, 2008

Hi, Mr. Gene. I really miss you. I hope that you can see my new haircut and I hope that you like it. I wish we could still go fishing with you and we could take you bowling too. Bye for now.

Marissa

September 8, 2008

Hey there love. I can't believe that it is nearly a year since you have have been gone. In some ways it seems like yesterday and in others it feels like we have not seen you in forever. I don't know how we have all made it this far. I miss you so much baby. Love always, xoxoxoxoxo

Marissa

September 2, 2008

Hello, love. I am really missing you today. I just don't understand why you had to leave us. I never will. Dalton asked me today if I will ever be happy again. I didn't know what to say so I just hugged him. I try so hard to make everyone think that I am ok but there are days that it does not work. I want you here. I need you here. You were my dream come true and now I am living in the middle of a bad dream without you here.

I love you with all of my heart and soul. I know that you are in a better place but I really want you here on earth with us. I am trying to find peace in the fact that you are up there now watching over all of us. Love you always,

Jessica

September 2, 2008

I miss you more than anyone knows!!!! Love Your Cake

Jessica

August 27, 2008

I can not believe that we are nearing the one year mark without you here. I really thought it would have gotten easier but boy was I wrong. I miss you so much and I know that I always will. Everyone will miss you Gene, you will never ever be forgotten by anyone. I don't know how in the world I am going to hold up on that awful day that one year year ago you were taken away from everyone here who loves you so much. Your mom, your sister, your relatives and all of your friends. It is such a shame that something so tradgic happened to such an amazing, caring, gentle, loving person. Your always on my mind babe. Always And FOREVER!! Until we meet again.. Remember our song "Right here waiting for you"... I know you will be there when I get there too!!! Love Your Cake

Marissa Schott

August 25, 2008

Hello, sweetheart. It was one year ago today that Angie and Eric introduced us. That night I had no clue that I would meet the man of my dreams. The funny part was that neither one of us really felt like going out but we ended up having a great time. I never imagined that night that things would go so well. You are the most genuine man that I have ever met. You had such a caring heart. I will never forget the respect that you showed everyone that you met. I miss our long telephone calls every night. I miss your dimpled smile. I miss being cuddled up in your arms. I miss your sweet voice. I will never get over you. We had so many plans. We had our whole life planned out. A wedding barefoot on the beach. A house in the woods. Vacations with our families. Holidays together.

The kids and I went camping this weekend and I wish that you would have been there with us. I always want you there. It's so hard to think that you are never coming back. You are always on my mind and will always hold a very special place in my heart. I love you always and forever. xoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxxo

Jessica

August 18, 2008

Dear Gene,
Missing you is one of the hardest things I have had to go through in my life. I can not even begin to imagine what it has been like for your mom. She is an amazing woman though and I admire her more than she knows. Everybody misses you and loves you so very much. I can not wait to see you again Love cake

Marissa

August 17, 2008

Hello, Love. It's been 11 months since you have left us. It still feels like yesterday. 11 months ago I was at one of the happiest points in my life. I had met the man of my dreams and in the blink of an eye you were gone. I still love you just as much as the day that you left us. I can still close my eyes and see your beautiful smile. I can still hear your sweet words and feel your warm touch. I know that you are around. Whenever I feel like the day is dim you send a signal to let me know that everything will go on.

I know in my heart that you are in a better place. But I do not feel that I will ever get past your death. You will remain in my heart, my thoughts and my memories forever. I know that you are looking down smiling at all of the wonderful things that people have done to honor and remember you. You are a remarkable man and everyone that you met will never ever forget you.

I love you with every beat of my heart. Until I can meet you again....

Dawn Holston

August 17, 2008

Dawn
Gene may be gone, but not forgotten! All we have now are memories. Memories of yesteryear. Memories of childhood. Good memories. Gentle wind in your hair and sun on your face memories. Memories that will never fade and no one could ever take them from you! Memories that will forever live in your mind and heart! Hold on to those memories with all your might! Those memories will help you make it through! When you are having a rough day, just sit down and close your eyes and remember all the fun times you had together, remember all the favorite things you use to do!! Remember the silly things! Write them down as you think of them, make a book, and every time you are having a rough day take a break sit down and go through it and add to it as you go!! What I remember about Gene is he was a gentle, kind & considerate young man who had a contagious smile, thoughtful eyes and a great big heart the size of Texas!! He will truly be missed, and he will never be forgotten!!
Love, Aunt Dawn

Dawn Rossmark

August 15, 2008

Gene
Today is August 15th, eleven months into the grieving process. I thought I was on this journey to recover, but have realized I am not sure I can even begin this journey.

I shared a special connection with you Gene, and the connection helped me to define myself.

Losing you has literally riped me apart on the inside, leaving me unsure of my own identity.

Eleven months went by way to fast. I look back and cannot believe it has been 11 months since you passed.

So much has happened since you passed, so much heartache and pain. My weaknesses and inadequacies have made themselves known to me again and again.

I am so broken Genie, and feel like there's never going to come a time when I have it all together.

I went through so many stages, anger, sadness, depression, a whole in my heart bigger than me.I wanted to blame everybody for this. I wanted to hate everybody but I knew that was wrong. I have made many mistakes, and hope to right the wrongs that I have done.

My son, I am so sorry this happened to you. It breaks my heart over and over. Your old Mom prays for you every night, and will continue doing so.

I look back and realize that I have come this far, but cannot tell you how I got here.

With All the Love in my Heart, I love you Gene more than you could ever know.

Forever and Ever Gene
The Whole World

My Sonshine
My Only Son
My beautiful dimpled faced child.

Love you So Much Son
Your One and Only Mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Jessica

August 15, 2008

Wow! I can not believe that it has been 11 months since that terrible night. You are missed so very much. I think of you ALL the time. That will never change. I think back to all the memories that we had together. That is so many years of memories. I think about the time that your mom got you those weights for Christmas and we some how managed to get them up stairs and hide them from you. What a trip that was. The things she did for you sweetie. She loves you so much. Remember our amny fourth of Julys together going up behind the school to watch the fire works. That was a hard day for me too this year I was so overwhelmed with all our memories sweetie. I miss you so very much...Keep watching over your mom and your sister and ryan. They all love you so much babe! SO do sooo many other people!!!!! Until we meet again heres a big kiss and a hug!!!!!

Marissa

August 11, 2008

Hey there sweetheart. Just wanted to stop by and say hello. I had thought that almost 11 months later that things would be better. But love I know now that they aren't. Each day that passes is just a reality check that this all really happened. So many people miss you and still wonder why you had to leave us. Everyone is working hard to keep your memory alive. You may not be here physically to hold us and give us that warm, loving smile but you are still watching over us. Missing you still...

Dawn Rossmark

August 8, 2008

Gene
I have some good news for you. I am sure you already know but I will tell you anyway.
Jim told me that the Board retired your truck and your truck number. I was beside myself with happiness. Jim told me nobody can ever use your number. That number belongs only to you.
Also The Board of Education has a plaque for you, and Patti Jo and some other women planted flowers around it. It made my heart swell with pride.
I am going to go see it with Jim. Jim said some people at the Board would like to see me.
Just think Gene, this has never been done before. You are very special son to have been given that honor.I went to the park today to put flowers around your tree. Mom will never forget your tree honey.
One day Jim left a note in the door and when I opened it all I could see at the bottom is "Love Gene's Dad" and after that I could not stop crying. Whenever Jim is in Joppatowne, he stops by your tree and says a prayer. Today the weather is absolutely beautiful. So many boats were in the water.
I am getting a little stronger each and every day. Jim and I are going to lunch at the park next Tuesday or Wednesday. I thought I would take a blanet and we can sit by your tree. I am sure you will be sitting there with us.
Larry has done your boat proud. He told me he would never consider it his boat, it will always be yours. He has a picture of you and one of your lures in the boat. He loves your boat honey. Larry misses you also. He is a good man Gene.

With all the love in my heart I miss you Genie

My Sonshine
My Only Son
My World
Your Loving Mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Dawn Rossmark

July 15, 2008

Gene,
Today marks 10 months since your death. I want to tell you how much I love you and miss you honey. I am constantly looking at your pictures.
Your tree is doing good and your placque has been admired by many.
What you placed on my heart so strongly has been done. I did what you wanted me to do Gene and I am glad. I love the little boy, teenager and man you are. You were one of the most forgiving human beings I have ever known.
You my son have taught me so much. From little boy on. Things will never be the same for me Gene. My counselor told me it was going to take a long time, a very long time to cope with your death.
I do not know if I ever will. Twenty eight years of happiness. What more can I say sweetheart. You will never be forgotten.
It is hard to sign this guestbook. It is a reminder every month that your not coming back.
I did what you wanted me to do Gene and I feel a weight off my shoulders. Thank you honey for choosing me to be your Mother.

Your One and Only Mom
My Sonshine
Forever and Ever Gene
The Whole World

Mom

Dawn Rossmark

July 3, 2008

Genie,
Today is the 4th of July. I miss you honey, I really do. My life is so sad without you.
I want to see you so bad it hurts. My pain is the same as the day you died.
I am forever changed by this. Honey, I will never forget any holiday that I had with you. It still does not seem real to me Gene.
I will never accept this. I can't. It is too hard. My heart will forever bleed for you sweetheart.
I cannot wait until I am there with you. I have so much to tell you. Thank you so much Genie for trying to help your old Mom. She really needs it.

With all the Love in my heart I am so glad I had a son like you.

My Sonshine
My Heart
My Life

Your Loving Mom
Forever and Ever Gene
The Whole World

Dawn Rossmark

June 15, 2008

Genie,
You have been gone for nine months now and my heart still hurts as much as when I first heard you had died.
My world has come crashing down on me Gene and I do not think I will ever get it back together.
My grief is still so raw, so overwhelming that I still cannot function.
I do not think that my heart will ever mend. I try so hard Gene, but the emptiness inside of me will remain empty.
There are many times that I think of that night when I heard the news, and the shock still overpowers me. A mother should not lose her son.
I love you so much and my world is empty without you.

I love you Sonshine
Forever and Ever
The whole world

Your Loving Mom who loves you with all her heart. Be in peace Gene
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Jessica

May 28, 2008

Hey sweetie! Still thinking about you all the time, missing you like crazy. I talk to you all the time and I know that you hear me and that makes me smile. I look forward to seeing you again!!!! Love Cake

May 16, 2008

You will forever be missed my son

May 16, 2008

I'm really catching them in HEAVEN MOM

May 16, 2008

Great Catch Gene

May 16, 2008

My Handsome Son

May 16, 2008

Dawn Rossmark

May 15, 2008

Gene
Today marks your 8 month Angelversary. It still feels like it was only yesterday that you were taken from me.

My heart hurts so bad Genie. The pain of losing you reaches into the very core of my being. No Mother should ever have to go through this.

I went through just about everything in your closet, and oh the memories Gene. You kept every card that I ever gave you. I cried as I looked through each container.

I ask God everynight to send you back home, and I do not get an answer. I want an answer Gene. I want to know why this had to happen to you.

I have not been able to function for 8 months. I do not think I will ever be able to find the right path for me Gene. The day you died I died also. Never to return to the person I used to be.

I sit amongst all of your things in your room and I am overwhelmed as to what I should do with all of your things. So much fishing gear and lures. I am so happy that I taught you how to fish when you were 8 years old. We had so much fun.

All of the things that are so much a part of you brings tears to my eyes. It is just knowing that you will never use these things again. It hurt so bad to say that.

How do I find my way? I don't think I ever will honey. I only exist everyday. I still look out on the parking lot where your boat and truck used to be.

This is still unreal to me Son. I cannot take it all in. I miss you so much, and only God know how much I want to be with you.

You are my Forever Child Gene
My Sonshine
Forever and Ever
The Whole World

Your Loving Mom

Jessica

May 6, 2008

Dear Gene
The gift your mom had down for you is beautiful, isn't it? I told you she was making you proud. What a wonderful idea on her part. Everyone is still missing youlike crazy. Still thinking about you every day, and every night. Keep watching over us Gene your doing a great job. Love Always your CAKE

Ann

May 4, 2008

Gene,
By accident I saw the tree your mom has made for you. It is lovely! Joe and I were out on the boat at Mariner Point Park and we walked by and I say the plaque your mom had made. The pictures are wonderful on your tree. It sure does show how much you are loved.
Thinking of you and your family much!

Dawn Rossmark

May 4, 2008

Gene
That little gift I got you for your Birthday is in your photo album finally.
I know it is a little late in coming but I found a way to get in in.
Life will never be the same for me Gene. It is an emptiness that is so deep. The hole in my heart gets bigger each and everyday Son.
I miss you and I love you so much, that not a day goes by that I do not think of you every minute.
I hope you like you Birthday present.
Adam Hughes Father made sure it went in on your day.

You are my Sonshine Gene
Forever and Ever Genie
The whole world.

Your loving Mom

I LOVE YOU MY SON

May 3, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GENIE

May 3, 2008

JEssica

April 23, 2008

Hey sweetie...

I am so glad that your mom and I were able to celebrate your birthday together at the tree, yesterday. She got you your chocolate cake she NEVER lets you down. She is hurting Gene so bad..I love her so much just like I always did. You know she did the sweetest thing she got me a birthday present it made me cry and still does thinking about it. One~ she didn't have to do that....2~she gave me the gift on YOUR birthday and that made it even more special to me. I know you will be with me when I go to have it done. Your always around me I know you were with us at the tree yesterday we could feel you there with us. Your mom is making you proud Gene I know she is. I hope you had a great birthday up in heaven babe!!!! Missing you so much. Love Cake

Ann

April 22, 2008

Happy Birthday Genie! Thinking of you lots.

Dawn Rossmark

April 22, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my special son
Whose cute in every way
Come on take my little gift
For now this is your Day

For me, it's as if you were far away somewhere on a vey long vacation. You will be with me Genie till life is over, than I can be with you.

My Son
My Precious Gene
An amazing bright star
You had the gift of happines
You saw the radiance of Life
You are my Sonshine

Happy Birthday Genie, and oh by the way you got your chocolate cake like you wanted.
Your tree is absolutely beautiful. I didn't know how it would turn out the first spring. I think you spread a little love, happiness, and Sonshine on it to make it grow.

I miss you Son, and as each day ends, it brings me one day closer to you.

I hope you like your gift Gene. Your Mom has been waiting for this for awhile.

To My World, and my Sonshine
Your Loving Mom
Forever and Ever Gene
The whole World

April

April 22, 2008

Gene-Happy Birthday to my brother. I know you are having a good one. Its been a hard day, I miss you so much. I truly appreciate our 28 years together. You will always be with me in my heart and soul. Not a day goes by without a thought of you. Ryan misses you so much. We are going to have ice cream cake tonight for your birthday. His idea. I will celebrate your birthday in only a way that you and I would do. Thats between us.
Love and Miss You So Much,
Your Sister April

Jessica

April 22, 2008

You know I was sitting here and I heard this.....

Love can touch us one time, and last for a life time.....

How very appropriate..... Missing you more than anyone knows!!!!!!

Marissa

April 22, 2008

Happy Birthday! I know that you are having the best party ever in heaven but we selfishly all want you here on earth. Enjoy your day. I love you.

Donna Morris

April 21, 2008

Gene,
I did not know you here on earth, but I feel like I know you now through your wonderful Mother. I talk a lot with your Mom about your tree and I found this in my Daily Devotional and I felt it should be placed here for you.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit.

Gene, take peace in knowing that I will always be there for your Mom whenever she needs me. I pray for you and for your Mom every night. We all will be thinking of you tomorrow on your birthday, Happy Birthday Gene !

Marissa

April 20, 2008

Hey sweetie. We are missing you so much. Not a day goes by that we don't think about you. The kids talk about you alot.

I have the pictures of you that your Mom gave us around the house. We can always see your smiling face. But it doesn't change the fact that you aren't here. It hurts so badly. I love you forever and always. But I know now that you are in a better place. Although I will never see you walk through the door, I know that you are here all the time and I thank you for that. Take care love, I miss you.

Dawn Rossmark

April 15, 2008

Genie,
Yesterday was the last day that I saw you, and today marks seven months since you have been gone.
My heart still hurts so bad Gene.

So much has happened since God took you home. So much!

Words will never express how deep my sorrow is, and the pain in my heart only grows worse each and every day son.

I know now that your father was there to greet you, and you two are getting along quite well. I am happy about that Gene. Tell Poppy I said "hello".

I see you everywhere I go Genie. I see you in the park alot. Sometimes I will see someone that resembles you and almost start to run, but I know in my heart you are not here anymore.

As each and every day ends, it brings me one day closer to you.

I have prayed to God everyday that you are so loved and attended to in Heaven. I know our Lord Jesus is with you.

In my heart I know that you are in a far better place than I am, I cannot for the life of me wrap my mind around it yet.

I wish I could take back time and say "please don't go", "please don't go", but I can't turn the clock back no matter how hard I try.

When I get to Heaven Gene, I want to go fishing with you. We will have a race to see who catches the bigges Bass. I have a feeling it is going to be you honey.

From your Mom who loves you with all of her heart.

To my Son, My life, My Hero,

Your Loving Mom (Forever and Ever)
The Whole World Gene

Jessica

April 4, 2008

Thinking of you sweetie Like I always do...Forever and EVER...Love Cake

Jessica

March 29, 2008

hey good looking...well I am sitting in Hawaii with my mom and dad and family. everytime we are on the beach I think of you and look at the sky to hope to see you there. One day there was such a BRIGHT spot in the sky I was sure it was YOU. I miss you babe very much. The kids were so cute picking shells for your mom summer was so excited about it she can't wait to give them to her... We will plan a day to go over once we get home. I love her so much and my kids lovce her already too. they talk about Ms. Dawn all the time. They were so cute with her. Well Aloha from Hawaii wish you were here...
Love Cake

Dawn Rossmark

March 27, 2008

Gene

Why does it take a minute to say "hello" and forever to say "goodbye.

I do not think of you every day Gene I think of you every hour, and every minute son.

I am so very grateful that you chose me to be your Mother.

Forever and Ever Gene
The Whole World

You one and only Mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Dawn Rossmark

March 25, 2008

Gene, This HAPPY EASTER Greeting is a little late this year. Computer problems. Jess and I decorated your tree and I think we did a great job.

Summer and Jacob were with us and helped us with your tree. To keep both of them doing something, I gave Summer some plastic eggs to hide around the area your tree is. We told her she could not tell us where they were. Jess and I told her that some children might find them on Easter.

On to Jacob, Gene he is a little chunker. I gave him some peanuts to feed the squirrels and he went all over the place to select a spot to lay the peanut down. Jess and I were not suppose to know where he put them. You could actually see all of them, but we would not dare tell him that. Naturally he came back for more. Alot of squirrels had a very good day with all those peanuts.

Summer put an egg under your tree, and she told Jess and I "your very hot", and we had to pretend we did not know where her egg was. We told her that she was a good hider, and boy did we get a smile out of her.

Genie, it was freezing the day we did your tree, but we managed to get everything on before our hands fell off from the cold. Summer and Jacob did not complain at all, they were so into the eggs and peanuts.

For that one day Gene I was at peace. The children really helped me. You know how very much I like chilren. We left there and went to Wendy's and the kids wanted ice cream or frosties. I was freezing and so was Jessie.

Summer came over and got real dramatic and sat on my lap and told me she liked me and would I come to her birthday party!. She told me that she wanted to see me again. Jacob informed me that he likes sushi.

I was laughing so hard. Those two are a trip. I really think Gene that Jess and I needed to do that. Jess bought a special cross and put it on your tree. I know you know what else is on the tree.

I hope to have more time with them, because you know your mother, when there is a child involved all these adventures start rolling in. They are outdoor chilren, so that makes it real fun for me.

I have to tell you a little about Ellie. When Eric, Angie and I decorated your tree for Valentine's Day Eric brought this wild dog with him. Eric forgot the leash and had to take his belt off because he was afraid the dog would run off.

Now picture this. Ellie, Angie and I were doing the valentines and Eric was trying to control this 200 pound dog. Eric kept telling me he was afraid the dog would run off because one of his dogs ran off when he was young. Now Angie on the other hand was calm. She kept telling Eric to calm down and let the dog run. If you could have seen Eric and this dog flying all aound the park you would have laughed your butt off.

Now remember Angie is still the calm one. We went down my trail to feed the squirrels, and naturally Eric was still holding onto the dog with his belt. Ellie and I started calling out to the squirrels, and Gene you know how I would call out what you called "rats with fur". Ellie and I did not care. But Ellie mimicked everything I said. She would say "Tweety, sister wants to give you a peanuty". It was hysterical. So I will have to add Ellie to my list of children. I told her we would get together one night and polish our nails.

Angie remained calm throughout the day, and Eric looked like he was going to have a nervous breakdown. Not Angie, all calm and serene. I sure hope he does not bring the dog down again, because I will let the dog have a good run. He would not let the dog get in the water. Eric looked petrified at the thought.

Well Honey, I hope that added some humor to your day. I will keep you informed of these children outings that I have. They are going to learn alot from your old Mom.

Missing you is so strong inside of me. Wanting you home is like a desperate thing for me. Knowing that you are in God's hands is a good thing for me. I want Jesus to shelter you.

Forever and Ever Gene
The whole World

I remain
Your Loving Mom

Dawn Rossmark

March 15, 2008

Bless me Lord
As I pray
You took my boy home one day
Please let him know
Please as I pray
How much I
Loved him everyday
I loved his laugh
I loved his smile
I loved his everything
I loved my child

Forever and Ever Gene
Mom

Dawn Rossmark

March 15, 2008

Genie, Today marks six months since I last saw you. It feels wrong that you died first. It reaches into the very core of my being. I did not feel for awhile, I was in a catatonic state. Than I felt like I was going to die from the pain.

The reality of your death has put a hole in my heart bigger than me. The pain is mental, physical, and emotional. I cry myself to sleep. I lose it every morning.

Why is this happening to me? Is this the price I have to pay for being me. Your Mom.? It would be so much easier to rid myself of this pain by dying, because I feel that I would never have a happy day.

I think every mother thinks that when she loses a child, but I have to think of who I would be hurting, and Ryan is the first one on my mind. I keep thinking who would enjoy your scrapbook as much as I do, especially after I am gone. Who would enjoy all the little things that I feel were so connected to you.

I had to give myself permission to feel the way I do. My emotions are like a roller coaster. up and down, up and down. I feel overpowered by this. I am so overpowered I do not know what to do. I have to find myself through this.

I talk to you all the time Gene. I hope you hear me honey. You have given me many signs that you are around me. I have to accept whatever comes up, anger, crying, guilt, emptiness, loneliness, confused, cut off.

I was worried about what other people thought of me, but I cannot worry about that now. I have to make a path for myself and do what I need to do on a daily basis. It's just that THIS IS MY REALITY.

When I cry so hard, so long I call them GENE ATTACKS. Nights are worse. It takes alot of faith for me to even get up in the morning. I have to take one breath at a time. I am a mother, I carried you, felt you, had a hand in naming you, took care of you. When you have that much devotion to your child, you just can't close the case right after the funeral.

I have to accept my grief because it is uncontrollable. I avoid TV, anything that reminds me of that morning I cannot listen to. I ran away from it for so long. Now I am facing it straight on.

I cannot help anybody, because I cannot even help myself right now. The pain is still too raw. I had some good friends, but now they are gone. I think I am their worst nightmare. I lost you and that is what every parent fears more than anything. I need the people who love me and who are there for me and will help take care of me.

I'm at a loss. People tell me that I had at least 28 years of you, but for me that is not enough. Levels of trust is gone. I am so fragile that my level of trust has been destroyed. I want everybody to let me speak about you. It is a taboo subject for some people. That is how I keep you alive in my heart and my mind.

It makes me feel good when people do talk about you. Gene, it sends a message to me that you are not forgotten. It is nice when someone comes up and gives me a hug. They do not have to say anything. Their hugs let me know how they feel.

Genie, I have changed in such a profound way. I am no longer the person I used to be. I am not afraid to die anymore. I cannot experience this and not be changed by it. I think now I am a person who feels more of a connection that exists between people. People usually that I meet that are kind.

I used to say I HAVE EVERYTHING! IN THIS WORLD, but I can never say that again because I DON'T HAVE EVERYTHING IN THIS WORLD ANYMORE. My heart was taken from me and forever I will grieve.

My inner peace is gone. I would trade it all back to have you home. I have to find a reason to live, rebuild my life, with new meaning and purpose. I have to discover my own meaning in life. I am going through this desperation stage. I am desperate for everything, because there will be a day when I am no longer here. I find so much beauty in a flower, walking in the park, seeing children running around and happy.

For every tear that I shed Gene, God put them all in a bottle. That bottle better be big as much as your mother cries.

I guess this happening to YOU is the price I have to pay for being ME.

I love you so much Gene, and I am proud that I am your mother. I also miss your smile, and your dimples. They brought joy to my heart.

Oh, one more thing Genie, I really miss the dryer being on, in the morning.

I love you the whole world Gene,
Forever and Ever

Your Loving Mom

March 14, 2008

Still missing you. The last 6 months just has not been the same without your smiling face. Love you always.

Jessica

March 13, 2008

Hey good looking
Just me again...I love spending time with your mom. She is just such an amazing woman. She's making you proud. All she has been through and she is just a trooper. Its hard for her but she's a trooper. I love her very much. I just feel so at peace and myself whenever I am with her. I miss you though and wish you were still here and could be with us. You still constantly in my thoughts prayers and my dreams and I know that you will be forever and forever....Love Your Cake

Jessica

March 6, 2008

HI sweetie..I spent a few hours with you mom on Monday night. It is always so nice just to see her and comfort each other. We heard you in the house that night it was so nice to know that you were there. I'm sure you saw your moms face and my face light up a million watts just knowing you were there with us. I worry about her but I know that she is a strong woman she has to be for everything that has been through. I hope I have her strength one day. I know your proud of her for all that is doing. She is such a wonderful person, I always knew that is where you got it from. Like mother like son. Keeping smiling Gene we love you and miss you very much sweetie...Love CAKE

Jessica

March 3, 2008

Hey sweetie. I went to yur tree yesterday. Your mom does such a good job with it. It always looks very nice. It really hit home being there yesterday without you. The last time I was there we were together. I'm sure you remember it just as well as I do. :) I stopped by your moms after I left the park but she wasn't home so I just left her some flowers on the front porch. She text me so I know she got them. I love her Gene just like I always did, you more than anyone knows what she meant to me and how much like a mother she was to me. I love you sweetie. You will forever be in my heart.....AWALYS!!!!!!!!!! Love Cake

Jessica

February 26, 2008

Have you ever seena teardrip
Have you ever felt its power
Have you ever seena teardrop
like the ones I cried this hour
Have you ever seen a teardrop
Falling down like rain
Have you ever seena teardrop
Have you ever felt its pain
Have you ever seen a teardrop
I have seen millions and I never want to cry again......

Still missing you like crazy...I will continue to love you and miss you for the rest of my life.....ALways and forever....CAKE

Jessica

February 25, 2008

Hey sweetie
SO on Saturday I went and spent a few hours with your mom at the house. It was so great to see her and hug each other. Gene she misses you sooo much. It hurts to see her like that but she loved you like crazy and misses you just as much. She is amazing Gene I know you are looking down on her with a big smile on your face saying "THATS MY MOM"...she has wonderful plans for you. It was so nice just to be with her. We talked alot. I love her so much she always was and always will be like a mother to me. I plan to definately see her more often from now on. It was so good for the both of us. Jsst being there in the house I felt I was with you. I kept wishing you could have been there with us. It was hard walking into your bedroom the memories were overwhelming. But so good a the same time. I miss you like crazy sweetie. But I know your in a better place looking down and taking care of all of us here. I bet your fishing and have a good time, catch a big one for me okay......Until we meet again gorgeous.....love ya CAKE

Jessica

February 19, 2008

Hi Gorgeous!!!
I was sitting here thinking about you like I always do and just thought I would write to you. Still missing you like crazy, along with everyone else. SO much reminds me of you and make me think of you all the time. SOmetimes it makes me smile and other times it makes me burst in to tears but I am just so thankful that we got to share so many years together babe. I think of all the holidays we shared and remember the time that Your mom made us dinner and then left so we could eat alone. She was so good to us. Your family always was and always be like family to me. I miss you more than anyone knows. ALways and forever sweetie!!!! Love ya YOUR CAKE

Dawn Rossmark

February 14, 2008

HAPPY VALENTINE DAY MY SON
I lost my identity when I lost you Gene. Ask me "why",so I can say your name again. I am still getting "Golf Digest", Bass Pro Shop" magazines in the mail for you and I love it. Everything goes in your memory box Genie.
I will never be the same person. That person is gone. Life is not safe to me now. I am on this journey that I do not want to be on since losing you.
I am praying to God that your Father, your Grandfather, and your Great Grandfather is with you. And my Grandmother.
Pop Pop George would stop by once a week on his day off to see you. You were too little to remember. Your Great Grandfather "Poppy" tried to hold on so he would be here when you were born. He is a great man Gene. He was a saint in my eyes. Warm hearted man, good father, good grandfather, and good great grandfather. I hope you are there with him. I know that you will be safe with him and Pop Pop. I know your father loved you. He is in a place of love now and can explain everything to you. My Grandmother will tenderly hold you and cook you your favorite meal.
I belong to POMC (Parents of Murdered Children) and that has helped me alot Gene.
I have a surprise for you in April. You probably already know. Thank you so much honey for stopping by today. It made my heart swell with pride.
I love you Gene and as each day passes I love you even more. I made a heart for you and lit several candles for you. I hope you like them.
If I could have one wish, I think you know what it would be.
YOU ARE MOM's VALENTINE
I love you with all of my heart

Your Loving Mom
Forever and Ever Gene

Jessica

February 11, 2008

Hey babe..
SO I keep hearing all these advertisements about the boat show...Remember how we always went and talked about how you would one day own one of those great big ones...I bet you have the best boat up in heaven, and you deserve it babe...You deserve nothing but the best. I wish you were still here, Everyone misses you so very much. Its so hard...ya know they say you never forget your first love...and baby thats so true. I will never ever forget you. Its so hard to really believe that you are gone. I just still can not believe it. I feel like I am walking around in a cloud and that this is some sick joke that soemone is trying to play on me. You would think I would be past that by now but I just can not come to terms that you are really gone and we wont see your happy smiling face on earth anymore. Now I know when we get to heaven it will be there waiting for us though. We all miss you more than any words could possibly explain. The hurt, the emptiness, the anger....it just doesn't go away.....But our memories...our so many many years of memories...they will forever be a part of me...I am just so thankful that we have sooo much memories and so much history between me, you and your mom!!!! Those were the best times!!!!! Your forever and ever in my heart Gene....Love your CAKE

Marissa Schott

February 10, 2008

Gene, I want to thank you for watching over our family. You know that I would lose it if I lost my Dad and I know that you were there with all of us last night trying to make everything ok.

I keep seeing that smiling face of yours in my mind and it keeps me going. I know that you would not want any of us to give up. The other day I was crying and Dalton hugged me and said Mommy we are going to be ok because we have each other. Without them Gene, I would already be with you. They are so strong. They miss you so much. They talk about you all the time. I miss you with every beat of my heart. I love you.

Dawn Rossmark

February 1, 2008

You were young enough to dream
I was old enough to learn something new

I'm so glad I got to hug you for a "moment of forever"

And come whatever happens now. Isn't it nice to know that some dreams still come true (you are here with me Gene)

I am so glad I was close to you for a "moment of forever"

Genie, I thought of the 28 years we had as Mother and Son and I am so grateful for you.

All of those 28 years of memories, I have forever in my heart, my only son.

To my son, my world, my hero

Your Loving Mom
Forever and Ever Gene

Mom

Marissa Schott

January 29, 2008

Something so hard
goes straight to the soul;
it seems impossible to get over
and my heart is left with a big hole.

I'm trying to be happy, wearing a smile;
but I'm dying inside.
The world seems to be fading,
and I just want to run and hide.

Everywhere I go I see your face,
and realize how much I miss you;
and on the day you died
a piece of me died too.

I miss you baby. My love for you is just as strong. How I will ever get past this, I just don't know. It's been 19 weeks and 4 days. While reality has set in I am still not better. I don't think that everything will ever go back to being the way it was. The children are doing much better. I think that the change of scenery and everyone not asking them if they are okay has really helped. Thank you for watching over us and your Mom. She misses you so much. We all wish that we could take her pain away. You always told me how strong she was and I am always reminding her of that when she is at her weakest. I know that you are still there for her being the caring son that you always were.

I love you. xoxoxoxox

Jessica

January 27, 2008

Dear Gene
Imiss you so much and think about you every single day.
"Not a day goes by that I don't think of you
After all this time you're still with me it's true
Somehow you remain locked so deep inside
Baby, baby, oh baby, not a day goes by"...
Please continue to watch over your mom I love you both so much. I need to get over and see her I will do that soon I promise!!! We plan to meet at the tree together too. WE ALL love you and miss you more than words can possibly say!!! Love
Your Cake

Dawn Rossmark

January 26, 2008

Genie, It's Saturday and I just came home from church. My heart is bleeding Gene. I cannot for the life of me understand this. I am so numb. The Pastor of the church offered prayer for you tonight. The people in the church are very nice. Here is another poem that reflects what I feel.
If tears could build a stairway
and memories were a lane
I would walk right up to heaven
to bring you home again
No farewell words were spoken
no time to say goodbye
You were gone before I knew it
and only God knows why
My heart still aches in sadness
and secret tears will flow
What is meant to lose you
no one will ever know

To my precious Son, my life, my hero

Your very loving Mom
Forever and Ever Gene

Dawn Rossmark

January 21, 2008

My Mom is a survivor
or so I've heard it said...
But I can hear her crying at night
while all others are in their bed.

I watch her lay awake at night
and go to hold her hand...
She doesn't know I'm with her
to help her understand.

But like the sands on the beach
that never washes away...
I watch over my surviving Mom
who thinks of me each day.

She wears a smile for others
a smile of disguise...
But through heaven's door I see
tears flowing from her eyes.

My Mom tries to cope with death
to keep my memory alive...
But anyone who knows her knows
It is her way to survive.

As I watch over my surviving Mom
through heaven's open door...
I try to tell her that angels
protect me more.

I know that doesn't help her
or ease the burden she bears...
So if you get a chance, go visit her...
And show her that you care.

For no matter what she says
no matter what she feels...
My surviving Mom has a broken heart
that time won't ever heal.

This poem is from Gene to me
Your loving Mom
Forever and Ever Gene

Dawn Rossmark

January 21, 2008

Genie
Life is precious, love is all that really matters, and who we are in the end and how we've touched the lives of others is the LEGACY we leave behind.
You are just a heartbeat away son

Your Loving Mom
Forever and Ever Gene

Dawn Rossmark

January 20, 2008

In my plans, I was the first to leave
Precious Gene, Precious Gene
But in this world I was left here to grieve
Precious Gene, Precious Gene

In my heart you live on
Always there never gone
Precious Gene, you left too soon
Though it may be true that we're apart
You will live forever in my heart

Genie, I miss you so much. I go to your tree everyday son. I am sure you see the flowers I put there. I have great plans for your Memorial Service. Eric is working on the other end for the fishing competition. He has been so good to me Gene. He is a constant in my life as is Jim. Jim and I try to have lunch at your tree every month. I hope to do this with him until he moves.

Gene, I am trying so hard honey to be strong. I also know that you are here for me. I love you more than you ever imagine.

Mom (Forever and Ever Gene)

January 18, 2008

DEATH LEAVES A HEARTACHE NO ONE CAN HEAL
LOVE LEAVES A MEMORY NO ONE CAN STEAL

Dawn Rossmark

January 14, 2008

Did the angels come from heaven
To help you through the night
Did they feel your terror
And take away your fright
Did the angels bear the pain
That was being done to you
Did they hear your cries of fear
And stayed to help you through
Did the angels hold you tightly
The way I would have done
Did they know how I would feel
And wish they were the one
Did the angels cry out loudly
For the unjustness of your plight
Did they call Lord Jesus
And lead you to the light
Did the angels softly kiss your cheek
Before you took your leave
Did they remind you how I loved you so
And forever I'd grieve
Did the angels whisper in your ear
Don't worry you will not go alone
Did they know part of me went with you
The day God called you home

To my son Gene from your loving mother.
I will grieve forever Genie
Mom

Marissa Schott

January 11, 2008

Gene, I have tried so hard to be strong but its really catching up to me. You are supposed to be here. You are supposed to be settling into our new house with us. You were supposed to be there with us on Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Years and I just can't believe that this has happened and you weren't. I don't want to believe this. I miss you so much. It's so hard trying to go on after this has happened. There are constant reminders. How will I ever get past this? I love you.

January 4, 2008

Gene,

You are truly missed. I came to realize today that I will never see your cheerful smile or hear your voice say "hang in there". You are now in a better place. If you have not met them yet you will find some wonderful people; Marie, Emma, George and Hank.

It is a shame that your life ended so abruptly. You had so many wonderful years still ahead of you. I know your mom misses you dearly and what mother would'nt with a son so as endearing as you were.

God Bless You and Keep You!

Linda

Dawn Rossmark

January 1, 2008

Gene
Today is January 1, 2008. Notice that it has a 2 and an 8. Twenty eight, your age.
Last night I came to the realization that you were never coming home. The realization brought me to my knees. I honestly did not accept your death. I blocked as much out as I possibly could. When your child is so brutally and traumatically taken from you all the lights go out in your life.
How do I go on without my son, I ask myself. You see Gene, I am not really living, I am just existing from one day to the next.
I went through your clothes in your closet, the ones in the hamper. I could still smell you on those clothes. Honestly, it made me cry even harder. Whenever you were out on New Years Eve, you always called me at twelve, wishing me a Happy New Year. The phone did not ring last night. I wanted more than anything in this world to hear that phone ring at 12.
I took out of your hamper one of your work shirts and layed it on me when I went to bed. Honey, I am so sorry for what happened to you. I have been through alot in my life, but nothing can even get close to this.
I went to your tree today to take the ornaments off so I could put them in your memory box. I am going to ask Michelle if her husband can order me a larger memory box. It would be like a hope chest, but it would be your memory box. You told me not to cry today Gene, but I cannot stop. In my heart I know you are in a better place, but I do not want you there yet.
I wanted to see you get married, have children and experience everything that you could. I would have had another grandchild. I know that you would have been a great father
Remember me always telling you that "We only go walk through this way once in our lives, and what good we can do for others is a blessing, because we will never walk by this way again"
Wait for me in Heaven Genie, because Mom will want to give you the biggest hug you ever had from me.
I love you more than you could ever imagine.
I love you Gene
Mom (Forever and Ever)

Marissa Schott

December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas Love. I know that you are having a wonderful Christmas in Heaven.

Yesterday the children, your Mom and I went to the tree to hang the ornaments that we had bought for you. The whole time that we were there we played All I Want For Christmas Is You. And Babe that is so true. If I had only one wish this Christmas it would be to bring you back. Your Mom would then be able to smile again and we would get to have the life that we planned together. None of us would ever again shed another tear of sadness for you. I hope that you can see from Heaven how many people loved you.

As I was walking on the beach on Christmas Eve I looked out over the waves and I think that reality finally hit me 14 weeks later that you really are not coming back. I don't know how I am going to get through this Gene. Please help me. I love you so much and I will never stop. I hurt and I am broken. Until I see you again remember we are like one and I love you. XOXOXOXOX

Dawn Rossmark

December 25, 2007

MERRY CHRISTMAS SON Gene, today is Christmas and it feels like any other day for me. I miss you so much honey. I would give anything to have you here with me today. I got you a Christmas present. I am going to get you a Christmas present every year until the day that I die. I am going to put all of them in your memory box. Your Urn came in but the funeral home closed early. Tomorrow Mom will go right over and get it for you. I went to church with Eric and Angie and I cried alot. Eric is having a hard time dealing with this, as I am. Eric sent me a picture of you on my cell phone and it made my day. Angie gave me a book and I love it. I feel dead inside Genie. I still to this day cannot wrap my mind around this. I feel your presence alot. I love when I hear the sound in your room when I know you are here with me. You know how much Mom misses you and loves you. I know you have seen your tree. Eric and Rick put ornments on it yesterday. Everybody loves you Gene. Jim put two unique ornaments on your tree that represents you. I asked God to keep you in the palm on his hand until the day that I am there with you son. Words cannot express how my heart feels without you. Words cannot express how very sorry I am that this happened. You had so much to live for. I am spending the day alone, but I am going to your tree because Eric wants me to read his card to you.
I love you Gene and miss you more than you could ever imagine. Honey, my life is not the same and will never be the same without you.

Your Loving Mom (Forever and Ever Genie)

April Nottingham

December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas Gene. Today is just not the same. I miss you so painfully much-but the one thing that gives my mind some rest is that you are at peace now. You have no more burden. I know how much you were going through and now you will never have to worry again. Its all about you and your well being-no one elses. I will try to get through the day the best that I can-Ryan helps me do that. Please remember how very much I love you and wish this horrible tragedy had never happened.
Love Ape xxoo

Dawn Rossmark

December 16, 2007

Death comes for your child, than slips away
A piece of your heart leaves with it that day

Death takes joy and gives you pain
Death steals sunshine and sends the rain

Death changes your smile to a constant frown
Death brings the world crashing down

Death robs you of a normal life
Death leaves you staring into the night

Death causes anguish, heartache and tears
Death holds the child you used to draw near

Death drains your soul, you just can't care
Death renders you helpless, in total despair

Death coming for your child is lifes cruelest blow
Death comes for your child..Why..no one knows

Gene, I miss you so much honey, I miss your smile, your zest for life, everything Gene. Mom is bleeding inside and I cannot stop it. This is not getting easier Gene, it is getting harder. I will try my very best my son to be strong.

Mom (Forever and Ever Son)