Rosemary J. Wehner

Rosemary (Gannon) Wehner, age 81, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, at The Auberge at Brookfield Memory Care in Brookfield, Wisconsin, after living with vascular dementia. She was born on March 27, 1945, in Beloit, Wisconsin.

Rosemary is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, David Wehner; her daughters, Kelly (Chris) Reff of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, and Katie Reese of Springfield, Virginia; her beloved grandchildren, Nathan, Quincy, Marcus, and Melanie; and her sister, Dorothy (Kent) Gannon of South Haven, Michigan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerome and Lorraine Gannon, and her sister, Carol (Alan) Hembel.

Rosemary grew up in Beloit and graduated from Beloit Memorial Catholic High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Cardinal Stritch College. She married David on June 21, 1969. Over the next 57 years, they shared a life filled with family, friendship, and countless happy memories.

She began her career teaching in St. Francis Public Schools for two years before choosing to stay home to raise her daughters. Once they were school-aged, she returned to work with the Elmbrook School District, first in the library and later in the Special Education Department. Following her retirement from Elmbrook, Rosemary found a job she enjoyed as the office manager at Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home in Waukesha, WI, providing a meaningful and rewarding final chapter to her career.

An avid reader throughout her life, Rosemary belonged to a book club with dear friends for more than 40 years. She also had a gift for writing and enjoyed composing short stories and poetry. Later in life, she joined a writing club and compiled many of her works into a collection titled Rosemary’s Musings, preserving her thoughts, memories, and creativity over the years.

Nothing brought Rosemary greater happiness than her family. She treasured every opportunity to visit her children and grandchildren, traveling to attend their school events, sporting competitions, and important milestones. She loved being involved in their lives and was always a source of encouragement and support.

Rosemary deeply valued friendship, maintaining lifelong relationships from childhood while continuing to make new friends throughout her life. She will be remembered for her warm smile, kindness, easygoing nature, positive attitude, and genuine love for the people around her.

In remembering Rosemary, consider picking up a good book, sharing time with a friend over a glass of wine, and offering someone the same kindness and smile she so freely gave.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial donations to the Hartland public library or a public library of your choice.

Visitation Friday, July 24, from 9:30 AM to 11:15 AM at St. Luke Catholic Church, 18000 W. Greenfield Ave., Brookfield, with a Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM. Private interment Prairie Home Cemetery in Waukesha, WI.