Obituary of RoseMary Elizabeth Konzen

RoseMary was born on October 7, 1923 in Remsen, IA the second oldest child of Edward and Margaret (Weber) Frericks. She attended St. Francis Xavier schools and graduated with the class of 1941. She married Howard Konzen on August 5, 1947 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, and the union produced three children. Rosie was a woman ahead of her time. She was a working woman before marrying, and continued working after she had children, long before that was the norm. She worked for many years as a receptionist for Dr. H.A. Crawford and then for Dr. A.B. Vasher, both in Dyersville. She later worked for Helen's Fashions and The Wardrobe on Main Street, and loved helping shoppers choose beautiful clothing to make them look their best. She was an early member of the "sandwich generation" when she and Howard welcomed her mother into their home, when Margaret became a widow. During that time, she was still caring for her own school-age children and later for her newborn grandchildren. Nanny loved to play Rummy and taught all the grandchildren the game. She was sure to always get a quick game played in the morning with Kelli and Mike, before they left for school. She was also a woman of great faith. Praying was important to her and she made sure her children "knew their prayers." Her version of night-time prayers has been passed down through the generations, and her great-grandchildren still say those same prayers every night before bed. She loved to dance and she and Howard "floated" across the dance floor whenever the opportunity presented itself. Rosie moved to Oak Crest Manor in August 2008 when her Alzheimer's disease became severe enough to require special care. And it was truly special care that she received from all of the wonderful staff. She loved them all, and the family cannot express enough, their deep gratitude for the care and concern showered on her. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 63 years, Howard; her children, Karen (Gerry) Bries, Susan Konzen, and Jay (Cheri) Konzen, all of Dyersville; her grandchildren, Jennifer (Bill) Fangmann of Berwyn, IL, Sara (Brian) Campbell of Rockwall, TX, Angela Bries of Cresco, IA, Kelli Konzen of Bettendorf, IA, and Mike Konzen of Dyersville; her great-grandchildren, Grace, Margaret, Ruth, and Laura Fangmann, and Connor, Will, and Griffin Campbell. Also surviving are one sister, Helen (Jim) Bell and one brother, Roy (Ruth) Frericks; sisters-in-law RoseMary Frericks, Velma Frericks, RoseAnn (Donald) VonLehmden, all of Dyersville and Grace Ernster of Rochester, MN, many nieces and nephews, and her faithful little dog, Cuddles. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Margaret Frericks; twin great-grandsons: Peter and Jacob Fangmann; two brothers, LaVern and Elmer Frericks; her parents-in-law, Anton and Rose Konzen; sister- and brother-in-law Ramona (George) Esch; brothers-in-law Lester Konzen and John Ernster; sister-in-law, Vernita Frericks and nephews Steve, Jim and Tom Frericks and Tom VonLehmden.