Rosemary Kiefner Errek

Rosemary Errek passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024, three months to the day after her 100th birthday, while surrounded by loved ones at her home in Escondido, California. Rosemary, with her warm smile and kindness, will be missed forever.

Born Rosemary Kiefner on August 12, 1924 in Joliet, Illinois to Conrad Kiefner and Rose (Offerman) Kiefner, she was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Errek, two sisters, Dorothy Wickberg and Eleanor Kostelc, and brother, Robert Kiefner. Rosemary is survived by her two children, Jon Errek and Candace Errek, and their spouses, Penny and Tommy, as well as three grandchildren, Anne Van Eyke, Rachel Busic, and Elisha Agee, and four great-grandchildren, Anthony, Zane, Luke, and Marissa. She has extended family including nieces and nephews around the country.

Rosemary was raised on a farm where she learned the value of determination, grit, and hard-work. Her farm experience is where she first fell in love with animals and became adept at the art of turning feral cats into domesticated, cuddly furballs. She was a skilled artist who marched to the beat of a different drummer, seeing the aesthetic appeal of life without being pulled to mainstream trends. Small in stature but big in spirit, she was also an adventurous pioneer—she and her husband were the first of their families to leave Illinois to raise their children in Northern California. After decades of raising a loving family in California, Rosemary and Bill relocated from Morgan Hill to Sun City West, Arizona to soak up the desert sun and relax in retirement. She accomplished life-long friendships with neighbors and friends who speak highly of her love, beauty, intelligence and thoughtfulness.

Rosemary had many interests throughout her lifetime and enjoyed reading, painting, decorating, gardening, sewing, playing the piano, crossword puzzles, walks, loving her kitty, and keeping up with the news and world events. She was a creative thinker who was smart, considerate, and enjoyed helping others as an active member of her community, church, and charities. Her most ardent endeavor was being a devoted mom, grandmother and great-grandmother. It was in that role, meeting the needs of her family, that she received the greatest pleasure and reward. She always found time for family and freely gave her attention and kindness to ensure they knew they were loved, cared for, and always welcome. In short, Rosemary was a loving, generous, thoughtful, independent thinker with a sharp sense of humor.

A service was held at Church of the Resurrection in Escondido, California and a service will also be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Sun City West, Arizona on 08/12/2025.