Rosemary E. Downey

Rosemary E. (Katheiser) Downey passed away peacefully at her home in New Berlin at age 84 surrounded by her loved ones on Friday, May 31, 2024.

Born at home in Belgium, Wis., on May 20, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Jacob and Betty Katheiser and the sister of the late Bill Katheiser, the late Betty Boland and Shirley Keller.

Rose was the beloved mother to her children with Bryan Downey: Patrick, Mike (Rachel), Mary Sue (Denise) and Katie (Mike); cherished Grammy to Alex (Dillon), Melanie, Jack, Sam, Ela, Makenna and Morgan; and dear Great-Grammy to Easton, along with one on the way.

On July 15, 1991, Rose found her great love, Doug Schaefer. They spent 33 years together creating special memories and enjoying life to the fullest. Rose is also survived by Doug’s children and their families, as well as other relatives and many dear friends.

Rose graduated from Port Washington High School in 1958. She studied nursing briefly but put her education on hold and eventually stayed at home to raise her four children. Years later, she went back to school at Mount Mary College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations at age 40.

Her professional passion was in the field of senior care, particularly the care of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. She ended her successful career when she retired from her position as director of marketing and admissions at New Perspective.

Personally, her greatest passion was for her family. She had close relationships with all of her children, and she cherished their time together. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and watching their sporting events and other activities.

Rose was always active. She played bridge and enjoyed game club and hiking club. She walked two to three miles a day right up to the end of her life. Her other hobbies included golfing and reading books. She even did a weekly radio show called “The Good Word” for many years.

Rose and Doug kept busy together and made wonderful memories traveling. One of their great shared joys was swing dancing.

Rose cherished “the group,” a circle of close friends of over six decades, creating cherished memories and traditions together, especially during family camping trips when their children were young, annual New Year’s Eve gatherings and monthly fish fries.

Rose’s commitment to her Catholic faith was unwavering. She actively participated in her church and embodied its teachings throughout her life. Rose’s devotion extended well beyond religious ceremonies. She generously volunteered her time and energy to various organizations over the years, touching the lives of many and being a true living example of Christian values.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 14, 2024, at Holy Apostles Church, 16000 W. National Ave., New Berlin. The family will greet friends and relatives at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the service. She will be laid to rest at 3 p.m. at St. Mary Parish Cemetery in Belgium, Wis., with her parents. 

Donations in Rose’s name may be made to St. Vincent de Paul or Capuchin Community Services supporting The House of Peace and St. Ben’s Community Meal.

Eernisse Funeral Home in Cedarburg is proudly serving the Downey family.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.eernissefuneralhome.com.