Rosetta Umscheid

Rosetta W. (Rethman) Umscheid, 89, of Flush, Kansas passed away peacefully Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Good Shepard Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas.  

Rosie was born on September 27, 1934 on the family farm `north of St. Benedict, Kansas.  She was the fourth of eight children born to Florentine (Olberding) and Clement B. Rethman.  Her early life revolved around working alongside her family on the farm, which she preferred to sewing, cooking and other household chores.  She attended St. Mary’s grade school in St. Benedict, finishing her formal education in the 8th grade.

After school she worked for a number of different businesses in the Seneca area including the CO-OP, a chiropractor’s office, and as a nanny.  As a young woman Rosie enjoyed spending time with her many friends and attending area dances where eventually she met her future husband Donald Umscheid.

Rosie and Donnie married on September 4, 1965 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict.  They moved to Donnie’s hometown of Flush where they were blessed with 58 years together and six perfect children.

Rosie was a farmer’s wife.  She worked in tandem with Donnie to build a successful farming operation that two of their sons continue today.  She did what was needed, oftentimes at a moment’s notice.  She helped in the field, moved trailers and trucks, made trips into town for parts, brought meals to the field and kept supper warm until after dark.  All-the-while she kept the house clean enough, did mountains of laundry, tended a garden and raised kids that learned her values of hard work and goodness.  They also all, too some degree, picked up her propensity to worry excessively.  Rosie also made the best apple pie of all times.

She always remained devoted to her parents and siblings, insisting on weekly trips home where they and what grew to be 24 of her children, nieces and nephews would crowd into the family home for Sunday dinner.  Those were the best of times.  Her dedication to her parents was on full display when she put her life on hold to help them through the final years of their lives.  This was another lesson in selflessness that her children picked up.

When Rosie finally became a grandma, her life took on new meaning as she periodically was full-time and always was as-need daycare.  Housework and chores took a back seat, as she insisted on rocking her babies to sleep at nap time.  Holidays were especially fun with adventures in cookie decorating and building her famous Bunny Cake.  There were always brownies at grandma’s house.

Rosie was a life-long Catholic and long-time member of St. Joseph’s parish in Flush where she was a member of the Altar Society.  If you called the house and got a busy signal, it was best not to try again for another hour.  She was the reason call-waiting was invented.  And she never let you hang up the phone or leave the house without an “I love you” and a warning to “be careful.”

In short, Rosie was a good woman.  Grounded in her faith and love for her family.  She will be intensely missed.      

Rosie is survived by her husband Donnie, of the home, as well as her children Tina Long, Wamego; Lynne Umscheid, Wamego; David Umscheid (Terri), Onaga; Karla McGinnis (Doug), Derby; Dwight Umscheid (Jennifer), Flush; and Douglas Umscheid, Wamego; and her much spoiled grandchildren Sam, Kourtnee, Katie, Kelly, Will, Taylor, Mahkaiah and Cole.  In 2022, Rosie was able to welcome her first great-grandchild, Freya.  She is also survived by her sister Roberta Lierz (Marvin), Sabetha, brother and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her sisters Charlotta Burdick, Anna Sperfslage, Willa Wilhelm and Diane Mulryan and her brothers Clem Rethman, Jr. and Rupert Rethman.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning, November 18, 2023, at 10:30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church at Flush, Kansas with Father Michael Peterson officiating.  Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery at Flush.

Rosie will lie in state at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home on Friday afternoon from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m.

Rosary Service will be Friday evening at 5:30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church at Flush. The family will greet friends following the Rosary Service until 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Rosie requested memorial contributions be made to the St. Mary Cemetery Fund of St. Benedict, Kansas, the St. Joseph Cemetery Fund in Flush or the American Diabetes Association and may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, Kansas 66547.