Rosalie Jean Heinecke, 89

Our beloved, Rosalie Jean Heinecke suddenly passed away July 10, 2011. “We are saddened by her passing but rejoice in the knowledge that now she is with our Lord and with her beloved husband Bill, and all those who preceded her.”

Rosalie was born June 26, 1922, in Billings to Fred and Aral (Linthicum) Brinkman and grew up in Kalispell. 

She attended Carlton College in Minnesota, graduated from Washington State College in 1944, and married her darling Bill in June of that year. Bill preceded her in death on Dec. 20, 2000.

Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Rosalie is perhaps the greatest role model we could emulate. Her kindness, compassion, faith, love and character are her legacy and a beacon to all.

A recipient of the Kalispell Chamber's Great Chief award, Rosalie led by example all her life: by her lifelong commitment to PEO, the angels at the entrance to Christ Church Episcopal, the Christmas train at Depot Park, the crèche at the Conrad Mansion, and her work at Central School Museum — these are gifts she gave to all.

“We have surrendered a great lady to a greater place in Heaven — We shall miss her dearly but rejoice in her ascendance to Heaven and rejoining her beloved husband Bill and the Lord, her God ...”

We appreciate the wonderful influence she shared with us all during her journey here. She magically touched many lives — always a kind word, always gracious, always available, and always positive. We will miss her dearly. A third-generation Kalispell native, a fourth, a fifth, and now a sixth generation call Kalispell home.

Her family brought her abundant pride and joy and as she would often say, “I wouldn't trade any one of you for nine cents.” Her positive outlook, her faith in God, and her encouragement to others regardless of circumstances could be summed up in her favorite quote by Mother Theresa, “You can do no great things, only small things with great love.” Many of us have been touched by this graceful, wonderful lady.

Rosalie is survived by her four sons, Bill and his wife, Barrie; John and his wife, Annette; Tom and his wife, Terry; and Rob. In addition to her four sons and daughters-in law, Rosalie is survived by her grandchildren, Jason and his partner Paul; Jake and his wife, Jamie; Lacey and her husband, Sean; Kyle and his wife, Jessica; and Taylor. Great-grandchildren include Jason, Tracey, Stacey, Tyen, Jordan, Jerrett, Aliya and Finley. Additional step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Fabio, Adrianna and Amanda Zadrozny, Cristi and Marcelo Serigo and Martin, and Camilla Zadrozny.

A reception celebrating Rosalie's life will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, at the Central School Museum. Please bring your laughter, stories, and memories of this remarkable woman.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 14, at Christ Church Episcopal. Burial will follow at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Rosalie requested contributions be made to the Central School Museum, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell; Christ Church Episcopal, 215 Third Ave. E., Kalispell; or a church of your choice.

“Rosalie, we shall miss you, but you will live in our hearts forever.

“May God bless you and keep you in the palm of his hand. And, in Rosalie's words ... ‘Hugs Forever!’”

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Rosalie's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Rosalie's guest book.