Rosemary D. Bialecki, age 87, of Hales Corners, formerly of Merrill, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011, at the home of her daughter in Hales Cormers, WI.
Rosemary was born May 11, 1923, in Milwaukee, to the late Clarence and Eugenia (Hartel) Kretlow.
Rosemary grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Rufus King High School in 1941. On Aug, 12, 1944, she married Stephen Bialecki in Milwaukee. He preceded her in death on June 28, 1975.
After a brief time in Stevens Point she and her husband moved to Merrill in 1953 where she resided until 1984. She then moved to Osceola, where she lived until retirement in 1988. Most of her years in Merrill were spent as a homemaker. She did work for a time in the billing department at Weinbrenner Shoe and later at St. Roberts Parish. After retirement, Rosemary returned to the Milwaukee area where she undertook a new career as a companion to homebound seniors for Medical Placement Services. She also did volunteer work at the West Allis Senior Center.
In addition to spending time with her family, she enjoyed traveling to many places within the U. S. as well as Europe and Mexico. Rosemary was an avid card player, enjoyed church and ethnic festivals, and bingo at area casinos. She will be sadly missed by many friends.
Survivors include daughters Margaret (Dr. D. MacLean) Willson, of Hales Corners, Mary (Eugene) Rozmarynowski, of East Troy, Janet (Dr. Vern) Larson, of Shiocton, Anne (fiance John Elias), of Elm Grove; sons William (Judy), of Merrill, and James (Susan), of Onalaska; 26 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by brothers John (Hazelle) Kretlow, of Grand Junction, CO, and George (Maryanne) Kretlow, of Schofield; sister Jean Pophal, of Eau Claire; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband she was also preceded in death by son Richard, great-granddaughter Rae Anne Bialecki, and brothers William and Robert Kretlow.
Visitation will be Saturday, Jan. 22, from 9:30-11 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, followed by Catholic Mass at St. Mary’s Church, both in Hales Corners. There will be a private internment in Merrill this spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Parish Circle of Love, Hales Corners, WI.