Dorothy Rosemeyer

1932 - 2025

Dorothy M. Rosemeyer passed away peacefully on March 7 at Rutledge Home in Chippewa Falls. She was 92 years old. Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, 2010. Dorothy spent the majority of her life on family farms north of Thorp, WI. She and Eugene raised seven children on the farm and enjoyed many happy memories. 

After Eugene's passing, Dorothy entered a new chapter in her life.  Alzheimer's started to become an issue. Dorothy received great care at the Homeplace in Stanley, WI; Dove Healthcare–Orchard Hills, Eau Claire, WI; and most recently at Rutledge Home, Chippewa Falls, WI. In December 2017, after moving into Orchard Hills, the staff interviewed Dorothy and asked her if she could recall important moments in her life. 

This is her story as she recalled it:

"Dorothy was born to Henry and Hazel Thompson on September 19, 1932, in her home located in Greenwood, WI. Her family was 100% Norwegian (they were proud of that), and they were farmers. When she was 10 years old, her father bought a farm north of Thorp, WI. Dorothy had six siblings; she was the third youngest. As a child, Dorothy helped out a lot on the farm and she loved to play outside with her siblings and neighbor children. She attended Gilman Public School and graduated in a class of 30 students.   

After graduating high school, Dorothy moved to Minneapolis, lived with an aunt (Theo), and was an office worker. Her knowledge of shorthand and typing skills were a great benefit. 

Dorothy would routinely travel back to the family farm for visits and got to know her future husband, Eugene Rosemeyer. Eugene was a neighboring farmer's son and a good friend of her brothers. Eugene and Dorothy were married in a Catholic church on June 16, 1955 in Stanley, WI. They took over the Rosemeyer farm and together raised seven wonderful children: Dean, Jeff, Jay, Patrick, Rebecca (Becky), Robin and Rodney. The two youngest boys were twins; Dorothy said the older kids were good help with the young boys. As a family, they enjoyed a lot of sport activities and the children were active in baseball, basketball, and football. They also had a boat and would go boating and water skiing on Lake Holcombe. Eugene and Dorothy enjoyed being part of a square-dancing group. They also enjoyed driving out west to visit relatives, watching their grandchildren grow up, and attending their sporting events. One trip that Dorothy fondly remembers was traveling to Norway with her sister Maureen and brother Gerald to see where their grandmother was born  One of Dorothy's proudest achievements was raising her seven wonderful children."   

Dorothy is survived by her children, Dean (Ann) Rosemeyer, Eau Claire, WI, Jeff (Jean) Rosemeyer, Dorchester, WI, Jay (Lynn) Rosemeyer, Gilman, WI, Patrick Rosemeyer, Thorp, WI, Rebecca (Mike) Newby, Eau Claire, WI, Robin (Cheryl) Rosemeyer, Gilman, WI, and Rodney (Tracy) Rosemeyer, Durand, WI; abrother, Gerald (Adele) Thompson, Thorp, WI; and sisters-in-law, Marcie Podvin and Delores Thompson. She was blessed with 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren (number 21 on the way).   

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene; her brothers, Burnell Thompson, Maynard Thompson, Richard Thompson; sisters, Viola Boardman and Maureen Shufelt.   

Dorothy was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Her caring and gentle manner and generous smiles will be missed by many. 

A funeral mass will take place at 11 a.m. on March 29 at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church-Gilman with Father Joseph Stefancin officiating. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of service.

Plombon Funeral Service assisted the family.

The family thanks the staff of the Homeplace, Dove Healthcare-Orchard Hills, and the Rutledge Home for the care they gave to Dorothy.  Special thanks to St. Croix Hospice; RN Jenny was so appreciated.