Rosemary Stenzel

ROSEMARY STENZEL

Iowa City

Rosemary Stenzel, of Iowa City, passed away Dec. 27, 2016, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids.

Services will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City with Father Jeff Belger officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, with a luncheon following back at the church.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City, where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. by Catholic Daughters.

Rosemary was born in Chicago on Feb. 1, 1928, to James and Angeline Gasparro. She married Herbert Stenzel on Aug. 28, 1955. In 1974, she moved with her family to Iowa City.

Rosemary was employed for 32 years at the University of Iowa, 10 years in the Department of Home Economics and 22 years in the French and Italian department. She loved working at the University of Iowa and enjoyed working with all the professors, staff and students. She retired in June 2010.

She was a member of St. Mary's Holy Rosary Society, Fellowship Commission and gave her time and talent in many ways. She was a member of Catholic Daughters, Creige 94. She volunteered over 15 years during her extended lunch periods for Congregate Meals at the Senior Center and for this she received an honor from the Governor of Iowa. She also was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader.

She is survived by her two daughters, Susan Stenzel-Reis and her husband, Wayne Reis, of Coralville, and Sherry Schulte and her husband, Duane Schulte, of Cedar Rapids; and seven grandchildren (whom she was so proud of), Jonathan, Samantha, Angela Reis and Reggie, Bryce, Quinn, Hope Rose Schulte; her brother, Gene Gasparro; and sister-in-law, Arlene Gasparro.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings, Mike Gasparro, James Gasparro and Angeline Dote.

She was a wonderful wife and incredible mother. She was the best friend of her two daughters. She adored her seven grandchildren, who gave her great joy as she spent time with them and took care of them as they have grown. She loved attending and following her grandchildren's activities. She loved Xavier High School football, the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. She spent her life thinking of others and putting others first. Her joyful smile and sense of humor made her loved by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bhama, Marge Amelon, the nurses and staff of University Hospitals and Clinics CVICU and the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Luke's Continuing Care and Hospice.

Memorials may be given in lieu of flowers to St. Mary's Catholic Church or hospice.

Online condolences may be made at www.lensingfuneral.com.