Rosemary Aloise (Michel) Emery passed away June 14, 2017 in the presence of family and friends at Mile Bluff Hospital in Mauston, WI. She had been a resident of Fairview Nursing Home the last three years.
Rosemary was born to Howard and Rose (Wildner) Michel on January 2, 1932 in Mauston, where she grew up and graduated from Mauston High School. She married Gerald (Jake) Alfred Emery on August 12, 1949, with daughter “Michele” arriving two years later.
As a very caring, giving, soft-hearted person, Rosemary found her niche in the hospital environment. She worked throughout Hess Memorial Hospital in various departments and capacities before moving to Baraboo in 1962, where she worked for St. Clare Hospital as an aide and Ward Clerk. She studied to become an Accredited Records Technician, passed her State Board Exam, and was asked by a group of doctors who were building Jefferson Meadows Nursing Home, a 102 bed fully-skilled facility, to become their Medical Records Administrator. She remained in that position from day one until moving to Norco, CA in 1984.
Upon arrival to California, Rosemary worked as campaign secretary for the American Heart Assn. in Riverside for about two years. She took her Civil Service exam and accepted a position at NWAC (Naval Weapons Assessment Center), a naval facility in Corona that was a major hospital and rehab center during WWII (prior to that it was an elite hotel/resort for the Hollywood set and world travelers, as well as the 1932 Summer Olympics). She was promoted to Branch Secretary heading up the classified “Top Gun” division, from which the movie “Top Gun” starring Tom Cruise was derived. Rosemary was awarded several citations over the years for her procedural innovations, superior service, dedication, and work ethic. She was given a beautiful retirement ceremony in 1994 with Washington Naval dignitaries presenting her a plaque and letter of special recognition from William Jefferson Clinton, President of the United States.
Rosemary enjoyed her years in California making new friends, seeing new sights, and discovering treasures at estate and yard sales almost every weekend. Being a life-long animal lover, pets were a large part of her life – everything from cats and dogs to horses, and even a pot-bellied pig named Piggysue. As an accomplished pianist, there was always music flowing through the house – especially over the holidays when friends and co-workers of every nationality would gather ‘round the piano to sing Christmas carols and share their cultural heritage. She loved bringing people together.
In 2007 Rosemary and Jake moved back to their home town of Mauston, Wi to live out the remainder of their lives. Sadly, most of their friends and family had passed on. Rosemary was a strong individual and fought hard, but couldn’t outrun the constant physical maladies that plagued her. She was a devoted wife, mother, friend, teacher, and confidant to many and will be dearly missed, along with her smile, infectious laugh, and great sense of humor. She is forever at peace and with her Lord, Mother Mary, and family.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, brother (Eugene “Mike”), and husband (Jake), who passed away June 1, 2016. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law (Michele & Leonard Kluge), nephews (Steve & Tom Michel), sisters-in-law (Selma Ruda and Harriet Emery of Baraboo), and several other nieces and nephews.
Rosemary requested cremation, declining any funeral services. Condolences may be sent to Michele Kluge, 416 W. Milwaukee St., Mauston, WI 53948.