Her colorful and lengthy life included experiences as a World War II veteran, licensed pilot, registered dietitian and matriarch to a large extended family of professionals, athletes and artists. Rosemary Eickelman died July 10 at the age of 98.
Rosemary was born in Rice, Minn., July 5, 1920, the daughter of Frank and Della Rajkowski. She graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, Minn., in 1942.
She continued her education at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., earning a bachelor’s degree in dietetics. While studying there she was elected student body president, and was selected for Who’s Who among Students of American Universities.
Following graduation she began her internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
After a year there she was promoted to 1st lieutenant in the Army, and given orders to Hawaii as chief dietitian at the 147th General Hospital. “I joined a troopship and set off for Hawaii and the most exciting year of my life,” she wrote in her memoirs.
After three years of active duty and promotion to captain, Rosemary received her honorable discharge April 9, 1946. She moved to Chicago to begin post-graduate study at the University of Chicago. She left seeking a better climate, and moved to Pueblo in 1948.
As a child Rosemary idolized aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. She fulfilled her lifelong dream of learning to fly a plane and earning her pilot’s license at Pueblo’s Uplands Park airport, located near what is now the Sunset Park neighborhood.
In 1950 Rosemary married Francis Eickelman. The couple had six children: Keith (Jennifer), Steve (Peggy), Jeff (Jenny), Alan (Diane), Mary (Hal) Walter and Janet (Butch Elich) Eickelman.
Francis preceded her in death in 2007. Her brother Frank died in 1999.
Rosemary worked in various capacities as an registered dietitian in Pueblo, including teaching nutrition at Seton High School, and as a dietitian at Pueblo Manor Nursing Home. She also consulted for other area senior care centers. She retired in 1985.
She enjoyed skiing, camping, travel and reading and writing. She penned a number of short stories, poems and non-fiction essays. With Francis, family and friends, she traveled throughout world and the U.S.
She is survived by 11 grandchildren: Megan Wren, Alex Eickelman, Kelsey Eickelman, Jack Eickelman, Andria Schmid, Sara Eklund, Katie Eickelman, Angela Eickelman, Della Elich, Clare Elich and Harrison Walter. She had eight great-grandchildren: Nick, Brooklyn, Jake, Boston, Bo, Owen, Parker and Lianna.
Rosemary will be remembered by her family as a strong female role model and leader. She created memorable family traditions, and instilled a love for the outdoors, the pursuit of dreams and passions, and a sense of independence.
