Rosie Gathje

St. Charles

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

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

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

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

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