Rosemarie Young Grotheer

Rosemarie (Young) Grotheer, 92, died on Tuesday, July 22, 2003, at home with her beloved husband of nearly 56 years nearby. Rosie, as she was known to her many friends in Austin and McAllen, or Bokie, as she was known to family members on her side of family, was a giving and caring person who lived for those she loved, and loved everyone she met. Rosie was the primary caregiver for her own mother, for whom she was named, until her death in the late 1940’s. In September of 1947 she married Philip Grotheer and for several years lived in Beaumont, Texas. At the age of 38 she had her first child, who died soon after birth, and one year later gave birth to her only daughter, Betty. She attended Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska while Philip completed his teaching degree. Later they taught school together in a two-room schoolhouse in The Grove, Texas outside of Temple. When Philip, a Lutheran schoolteacher, was called to teach in Houston, in addition to her many church-related involvements, Rosie began volunteering at the Texas Children’s Hospital, accumulating thousands of hours of time ministering to children. In 1967, when Philip was called to teach in McAllen, Texas, Rosie continued her volunteer efforts at a cancer center and a nursing home, where she boldly proclaimed the power and wonder of Jesus love to all she met. As her health began to fail, Rosie and Philip moved to Austin to be closer to their daughter. Over these few years in Austin, Rosie was able to get to know her first great-grandchild, and participate in the birth of two new great-grandchildren. And, despite her failing health, she continued to be a witness of Christ’s love to all around her until the day of her death. She joins her first child, her parents and seven of her ten brothers and sisters in heaven. Left behind are her husband Philip, her daughter Betty and her husband Warren Ressel of Austin; granddaughter Sarah and her husband Phillip Soliz; granddaughter Rachael and her husband Shane Hill; and grandson Michael Ressel. Great-grandchildren include Emily Halliburton, Shane Hill II and Elliott Soliz. A special word of thanks to Janie Soliz and Ruby Pierce who cared for Rosie and continue to care for Philip. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th at Our Savior Lutheran Church with the Reverend Keith Gravesmill officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Hill Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Concordia Academy or the School Ministry at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78705 (512) 452-8811. You may view memorials at www.wcfish.com