Rosemary M. Erpelding

WINONARosemary M. Erpelding, 86, of Winona died Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Winona Health. Rosemary was born April 27, 1929 to Julius and Margaret (Thesing) Ashelin near LaCrosse, WI. She graduated from Winona State University with a degree in Elementary Education. On July 27, 1948 she married Sylvester Erpelding at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Winona. Together they raised two daughters, Sylvia and Claire. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Winona.Over the years Rosemary worked as an elementary teacher, mail carrier, delivered chickens and eggs, and enjoyed working on the family farm. She was a life member of Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and former state commander. She was also a 4-H leader for many years. Some of her favorite activities included gardening, working outside, raising chickens, reading, cooking, and baking. She was especially known for her tasty pies. In her retirement, she enjoyed snowmobiling around the area and traveling with her husband, making it to all 50 states. They also would winter in Friendswood, TX with their nephew, Jerry. Rosemary was a family person who loved to host family get-togethers. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cared deeply for all her family. Her spunkiness, sometimes feisty, and generous personality won't easily be forgotten. Rosemary is survived by her two daughters, Sylvia (Rich) Iwinski of Waukesha, WI and Claire (Kim) Erickson of Winona; five grandchildren, Hayley (Brandon) Foust, Stacey (Chad) Melichar, Kimberly (Josh) Hill, David (Andrea) Erickson, and Katy (Daniel) Schulz; eight great-grandchildren, Cody, Zoe, Jolie, Sophie, Brenden, Elena, Tessa, Hudson, and one on the way; one brother, Tom (Polly) Ashelin of Tucson, AZ ; several brother and sister-in-laws; and many loving nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sylvester in 2013; two sisters; and eight brothers.Funeral Mass will be 12:30 p.m., Monday, November 9, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Reverend James Berning officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be 3 - 7 p.m., Sunday at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. followed by a time of sharing. Visitation will continue on Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service in the church commons.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/645202