Rosemary Lillian Harris passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Monday, June 3, 2024.
She was born on Oct.1 1, 1926, in Fort Madison. The daughter of Milburn E. and Clara B. Hageman Lietsch, she was the third of their 16 children.
Rosemary was a lifelong resident of West Burlington. She attended St. Mary’s elementary school and graduated from St. Paul’s High School in 1944. She went to work at Sturm Freight Ways in West Burlington as receptionist/bookkeeper. She married Clarence “Pat” Harris in 1948. They had three children - Jackie Klein of West Burlington, Jill (Dan) Bridleman of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., and Kelli (Bruce) Baker of Des Moines.
Rosemary was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Divine Mercy Catholic Church in West Burlington. She was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and helped at various church sponsored events throughout her life. She was also a faithful volunteer with Birthright of Burlington for many years.
Through most of her life, Rosemary provided care for her children and grandchildren, and whenever needed, for many of her 80+ nieces and nephews. She was a loving, fun, and dedicated Mom, and always felt grateful that she was able to help her siblings with care for their children when it was needed.
Rosemary enjoyed traveling and made many trips including to England, Hawaii, and various parts of the U.S. In 1970 she joined Father Denning and others on a religious pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, Rome, Italy, and other holy sites in Europe.
Rosemary was a devoted wife and mother. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, all types of music, singing, dancing, and the beauty of nature. A sunny day always made her happy.
She is survived by her children; her 9 grandchildren: Judy Smith, Collin Bazel, Aaron (Lisa) Bazel, Brian Kerr, Kristen (Jeff) Arnim, Caitlin (Chris) Waddell-Chow, Harrison (Natalie) Baker, Natalie (Michael) Jamieson, Elliott Baker, her 8 great-grandchildren: Kayla Schier, Brian Brem, Audrey Bazel, Juniper Arnim, Quinn Chow, Lily and Henry Jamieson, Everett Baker; her 5 great-great-grandchildren; her sister Sheila (Wayne) Drew; her brother, Tom (Barbara) Lietsch of Burlington; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, Pat Harris; her parents; her sisters - Sister Lucia Lietsch RSM (Gloria Ann), Patricia Darnold, Celine Grothe, Sanchia Gahn, Rita Heckenberg, Nancy Ingram, Mary Ellen Rincon, Francine McLaughlin, Judy Heap, Suzanne Carlson, Mickey Daly, Lucia Lietsch; and her brother Milburn (Sonny) Lietsch Jr.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. with the family to receive friends, Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Divine Mercy Parish-SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Mrs. Harris will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Divine Mercy Parish-SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington with Fr. Jake Greiner as the Celebrant. The burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery in West Burlington at a later date.