Rosemary (Rosie) E. Noonan, 93, of Bernard, Iowa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on September 29 at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque, IA.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Thursday, October 1 at the Reiff Funeral Home, in Cascade, where a scripture service will be held at 1:30, and from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 2nd at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Rosemary at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick, North Garryowen, with Father Steven Garner presiding. Burial will be at St. Aloysius Cemetery, IN South Garryowen.

Born on January 28, 1933, at Epworth, IA, to William and Catherine (Pottebaum) Oberbroeckling, she attended Epworth Public School, graduating in 1950 as valedictorian. She then worked at A. Y. McDonald’s Factory Office, Roshek’s, and J. C. Penney’s in Dubuque.

On September 30, 1958, Rosie married Harlan Noonan at St. Patrick Church, Epworth. They raised seven children on their Bernard farm. Rosie will be remembered for her positive attitude, good cooking, seamstress skills, and deep faith. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, farm bookkeeper, and successful happy homemaker for her family, enjoying their achievements, and she was very proud of them. She was an active member of St. Patrick Church and choir, Garryowen, the Jackson County Historical Society, Maquoketa VFW Auxiliary, Cascade Catholic Daughters, Wild Roses Painting Group, and Bernard Mother’s Club. She also served on the Aquin School Board and as a Butler Township Election Official. Rosie later attended Clinton Community College classes, and worked at Dun and Bradstreet, Armstrong’s, Kahle’s, and the Bernard Post Office. She enjoyed her family, dancing, reading, painting, sewing, and gardening. Always interested in other cultures and history, she traveled to California, Germany, Bolivia, Alaska, and Medjugorie.

Harlan passed in 1994, but Rosie continued on, leading a very active, healthy, and independent life. At age 91 as a gift to her family, she wrote her autobiography of life on the Epworth and Bernard farms, focusing on her family’s farm chores, happy moments, marriage, raising children, and her travels.

Unfortunately, Rosie fell and suffered a severe spinal cord injury in July 2024 at age 91. Thanks to the excellent care of Dr. Michael Chapman, MercyOne Hospital, Medical Associates and Unity Point doctors, Stonehill Care Center therapy and nursing staff, Physical Therapy Solutions, and Dr. Jim Sullivan, she regained the ability to use her hands and walk with assistance. She exercised daily, always working to get stronger. Rosie’s determination, perseverance, and energetic attitude inspired all. She enjoyed attending the daily activities at Stonehill, found many new friends, and appreciated the blessings from Fr. Mark Osterhaus and the Stonehill priests and deacons. The Noonan Family is grateful for the excellent care, kindness, and encouragement given to Mom. Thanks to all who prayed, visited, or sent cards. Thanks also to Hospice of Dubuque who assisted in her last days.

Rosie is survived by her children: Dianne (Kevin) Koch, Dubuque; Catherine (Jim) Kuehn, Dubuque; Linda (Bob) Kilas, Neenah, WI; Terry Noonan, Bernard; Tami (Dan) Sell, San Jose, CA; Pat Noonan, Bernard; and Dennis Noonan, Bernard; seven Grandchildren are Paul (Emily) Koch, Dubuque; Brian Koch, Dubuque; Angela Koch, Chicago; Allison (Travis Webb) Kilas, Elkhorn, WI; Tim (Stacy) Kilas, San Diego, CA; Jessica and Jonathan Sell, San Jose, CA; one sister, Virginia Pfab, Dubuque, and two sisters-in-law, Janet Oberbroeckling, Rochester, MN, and Carol Oberbroeckling, Dyersville, IA and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings and in-laws: Sister Lucilla (Germaine) Oberbroeckling, OSF; Marcella Oberbroeckling, Verna Oberbroeckling, William and Rita Oberbroeckling, Ed Oberbroeckling, Leo Pfab, Harold and Estella Noonan, Grace and Bob Hittenmiller; and grandchildren Anthony and Jennifer Sell. Also preceding in her in death are nephew Daniel Oberbroeckling and great-nephew Andrew DeMuth, and special friend Paul (P. J.) Takes.