Obituary: Rosemarie (Haesler) Segerson - Class of 1948

MADISON - Rosemarie Segerson, age 77, passed away on Sunday, June 24, 2007, at home, surrounded by her family. She was born on March 12, 1930, in Waterloo, the daughter of Peter and Bertha (Muehlemann) Haesler, both of whom immigrated from Switzerland. Rosemarie experienced a wonderful childhood, growing up on a cheese factory, with a stone quarry for a playground. Her father died when she was 12 years old and then she, her mother and two sisters, moved to Madison. Rosemarie graduated from Madison Central High School in 1948. Following graduation, she worked as a decorator at Ceramic Arts Studio from 1948 until 1953. Rosemarie married Robert Segerson on June 28, 1952, in Madison. She was a homemaker until her children were in high school. Rosemarie worked as an elevator operator at 1 West Main St., at Madison Newspapers and then at Mand I Bank for 21 years, retiring in 1994. Retirement didn't set well with her, so she took a position with Anchor Bank. Rosemarie served many years an election official. She was a longtime member of St. Dennis Catholic Church. Rosemarie was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and in her early life, she sang with the Madison Philharmonic Chorus and the Carolettes. She was extremely friendly and social, always thinking of others, making friends wherever she went. Rosemarie was rich in long term friendships and had many lifelong friends, two of which were her beloved sisters. She deeply loved her family, her children and grandchildren were her joy. Rosemarie enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge and 500 and was a member of many card clubs. She was involved in Bible Study Fellowship, Red Hat Society and Cinema Club. Rosemarie loved to travel and was very proud of her Swiss heritage. Her trip to Switzerland to meet her relatives was one of the highlights of her life. Rosemarie's family and friends were blessed to enjoy the warmth of her love and she will be deeply missed. She is survived by her children, Peter (Rosemary) Segerson of Antigo and Kathryn (Chess) Adams of Madison; grandchildren, Abbey (Paul) Burton, Katie and Heidi Gruber, Chelsey Adams and Robin and Erika Segerson; sister, Alice (Harlan) Maiden; nephew, Andrew (Carolyn) Martin; nieces, Carla (John) Rand, Margaret Martin, Rebecca Martin and Anne Marie Martin; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and godchild, Nancy Pschorr. Rosemarie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents; sisters, Hedy Haesler and Helen Martin; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Maurice and Kathryn Segerson; and brothers-in-law, Father Tom Segerson and Carl Martin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2007, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, 2007, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations to Worldhelp, through which Rosemarie fostered two children, would be appreciated. Your love is like a beacon, Burning bright with faith and prayer And through the changing scenes of life, We can find a haven there. Helen Steiner Rice Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 26, 2007