Rosemary Therese Auer (née Merlo)

Rosemary Therese Auer (née Merlo)
Reunited with her beloved John on March 8, 2025.

A little over a year after saying goodbye to the love of her life, our mom, grandma, and great-grandma, Rosemary, left this world peacefully on March 8, 2025, at the age of 83. While we miss her more than we can say, it gives us real comfort-and even a little joy-to imagine her holding hands with Dad again.

She leaves behind the people who absolutely adored her: her children, John (Christina) Auer, Christa (Tony) Shields and Joy (David) Verfuerth; her beloved grandchildren, Ashley (Lewis) Johnson, Sophie (Malik) Shields, Liz (Joey) Archer, Johnny Auer, and Jake and Luke Verfuerth; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Christian and Myles. She was greeted in Heaven by her husband, John; her mom, Therese; and her big brother, Jimmy.

We all knew her as “Gammie”-our cheerleader, our caretaker, the person we called when we needed comfort, encouragement, or just to hear her voice. She remembered every birthday and anniversary, always had a card ready, and lived her life with deep love, quiet strength, and unwavering faith. Her trust in God gave her peace, especially in her last months, and she was truly ready to be with Dad again.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, she met Dad while attending Cathedral High School, and from that moment on, their lives were beautifully intertwined. Their love story spanned nearly 70 years and took them on so many adventures-always side by side.

Mom was a hairdresser for many years, and she loved it-not just the work, but the relationships she built with clients who became dear friends. But more than anything, she loved being with her family and supporting Dad in all his big, wild dreams. From running hotels in Door County to a laundromat in Florida (yes, a laundromat!), Mom rolled with every twist and turn of life with grace, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Wherever we landed, she made it feel like home.

She was also an amazing cook. Her chicken tetrazzini is legendary in our family, as is her “green Jello” and EE salad. So many family memories are tied to meals around her table, laughing, eating, and just being together.

And when Mom and Dad built their dream house in the woods in Door County, it became our family’s ultimate happy place. We spent long summer days on the boat, anchored at Pebble Beach with sandwiches and snacks, and cozy Christmases by the fireplace. Walks down Ashley Avenue, backyard campfires, everyone crammed around the kitchen island-it was simple, and it was perfect. That house wasn’t just a house. It was filled with love, laughter, and all the little moments that made us feel like we were exactly where we were meant to be.

She loved cardinals, playing Mexican Train and Spoons around the table with family, camping under the stars, and cheering from the stands at every game, concert, and school event. She was always there-with a warm hug, a genuine smile, and a “How can I help?” at the ready. Even in her later years, as she faced more and more physical challenges, she never once complained. She was a quiet warrior with so much strength and grace.

In the end, she was ready. She missed Dad so much, and we know she’s with him now-dancing, laughing, and finally at peace.

We miss her every day. But we know she’s home.

If you’d like to honor her, cook something comforting, take a walk outside, or watch for a cardinal. She’ll always be with us, just in a different way.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, with a luncheon to follow. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515