Rosalie (Schreiber) Gerstner “Rosalea”, 90, died Monday, May 20, 2024, in Omaha, Neb. She was born June 7, 1933 in Trego County, Kan., to Reinhardt and Kathleen (Kennedy) Schreiber.
As a child, Rosalie loved being outside and spent much of her time helping with farm chores and riding horses. She was involved in 4-H, basketball and cheerleading throughout her childhood, graduating from Ransom High School in 1951.
Rosalie married the love of her life, Joe Gerstner, on Sept. 4, 1951, in Ransom. He preceded her in death on Feb. 26, 2005.
In 1965, the couple moved to Ness City, Kan. with their five children: Connie, Deb, Pat, Mike and Vicki. Rosalie thrived in small town life, dedicating her life to her family and her community. She was instrumental in starting the girls’ softball team in Ness City, coaching for many seasons. She was a fixture at all of their children’s school events and activities. She also volunteered her time as a Cub Scout leader and spent many hours supporting the Ness City Booster Club and Jaycees.
As soon as grandchildren began to arrive, Rosalie dedicated many hours traveling to their games and activities around the area and across the state. Family looked forward to returning to Ness City for huge family gatherings at Mammy and Papa Joe’s home each year.
Together, Rosalie and Joe started several businesses. She was the first woman president of the Kansas Meat Processors Association. Rosalea was also an active member of the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association for many years.
Rosalie loved to laugh and organized numerous April Fools’ jokes on her husband during their long marriage. One year, she cut the corners out of the pockets of his pants so his coins would fall out. Another time, she moved and hid their car, then “helped” her husband search for it—laughing herself into tears.
Rosalie was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ness City. She devoted countless hours at the church and Sacred Heart Altar Society, as well as other charities. She strongly believed in serving her Ness City community, volunteering with Meals on Wheels and hospice.
Rosalie was always up for travel and adventures beyond Western Kansas. She rode an ostrich in South Africa and journeyed through Ireland and Italy. For her 80th birthday, Rosalie organized a mystery trip for her entire family—children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren--to Branson, Mo.
In addition to her family, Rosalie’s other great love was Kansas University basketball. In her later years, she would spend winters in Lawrence, Kan., attending Jayhawk men’s and women’s basketball games as well as volleyball games on campus. When not attending sporting events, Rosalie made many friends through Mahjong, Tai Chi and exercise groups.
Regardless of where she was, Rosalie was known to have never met a stranger. She invariably asked people where they were born and raised and was always interested in their replies and stories. Her love of people and her devotion to her family will be greatly missed and always remembered.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents; her brothers: Richard, Louis, and Ken Schreiber; and her sister, Rosemary Schreiber. Also preceding her in death were her dear granddaughter, Tricia (Williams) Whipple; her great-granddaughter, Nicole Whipple; and her son-in-law, Tom Williams; as well as family members: Gene Wierman, Alison Bauer, and Lars Allen.
Rosalie is survived by her children: Connie Williams, Debra (Rick) Stenzel, Patrick (Windy Brookshire) Gerstner, all of Ness City; Michael (Kathy) Gerstner, of Baldwin City, Kan.; and Vicki Gerstner; 14 grandchildren: Kimberly (Williams) Yaeger, Lisa Williams, Elizabeth (Stenzel) Maes, Andrew Stenzel, James Stenzel, Nick Gerstner, Megan (Gerstner) Albers, Brian Gerstner, Catherine Gerstner, Shannon Gerstner, Elizabeth Gerstner, Tori (Wierman) Keller, Stephanie (Wierman) Hines, and Wil Wierman; 29 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandsons; one sister, Rita Sekavec; and many nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be on Monday, May 27, 2024, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. The rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. and the vigil will begin at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ness City, followed by burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart School or to the Ness County Bank Building Renovation Fund and sent in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home, P.O. Box 96, Ness City, Kan., 67560.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guestbook.