OREGON – It is with great sadness that the family of Rosemarie Nestrojil announce her passing on March 22, 2022, at the age of 92. It was a wonderful life and heaven will never be the same! Rosemarie lived a long and full life. She was born a twin on April 9, 1929, in New York City, New York to two loving parents, Fitzie and Fred Komarek. Raised in Little Bohemia and Flushing, N.Y., her father was an electrician and her mother a homemaker and milliner.
Rosemarie and her twin sister, Lilyann, were best friends, duet partners, and even with 1000 miles between them… were often found talking on the phone daily or writing daily, lengthy letters for over 85+ years. Rosemarie was always an optimistic, strong, active, and beloved wife, mother, daughter, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend. Rosemarie’s talents touched many lives.
After graduating from Bayside High, Bayside, N.Y. she went on to graduate from Gibson Secretary School, working in New York City until meeting the love of her life, Charles at her twin sister’s wedding. They married in 1952 and went on to dance through life. They had two children, Lynn and Charlie. Born on the East Coast, she loved the beach, the ocean and seafood; especially clam digging and catching her own crabs. Her husband’s job brought them to the Midwest in 1969 which was an adjustment that grew into an amazing life. Charles passed away after 35 years of marriage. Rosemarie then rejoined the work force at Lutheran Social Services for 12 years. During her years in Oregon, she also expressed her artistic talents through her painting and involvement with Eagles Nest Art Group. She served as an officer, along with Harry Nurmet and Jessie Hinkle, organizing many fabulous art shows all over Oregon for most of the 70 – 80’s.
Her most memorable attributes were her smile and song. Always a smile on her face and a song on her lips and in her heart. A song for every occasion! One word would break her into song; at the grocery store, the salon or on the local street. She even performed on the Carnegie Hall stage in New York City! Often a serenade would be heard if you visited the ‘Oregon Bakery’ she owned with her husband until 1982. During her bakery years, she made countless delicious cakes, as well as the “sandwich and soup of the day.” Her bubbly personality and love for the Lord was shared with her beloved congregation of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oregon, where her presence, smile and song filled their lives. She could often be found spending countless hours arranging flowers, singing in the choir, planning and decorating for every church event imaginable, especially “Coffee…and,” her favorite Dorcas Circle Group and abundant parties for friends. She was always dropping off fun little gifts for everyone’s “special occasion.”
She cherished her family the most! Mom or aka ‘Granny Nest’ will always be remembered for the hours she spent with them and her presence in their lives; from screaming in the stands at many a school event, to family dinners, weddings and daily drop by visits.
Rosemarie is survived by her daughter and her husband, Lynn and Ken Kaufman, her grandchildren Bill (Shannon) Etnyre, Carnation, Wash., Amanda Guidos, Vermilion, Ohio, Hannah (Brian) King, Sammamish, Wash. Step-grandchildren Kara (Bradley) Bauer, Oregon, and Drew (Kristin) Kaufman, Mount Morris. Great-grandchildren Emery, Zachary, Savannah, Greyson and Leah. Nieces, Susan (Shawn) Sanborn, Edmond, Okla., and Bonnie (Victor) Cubow, Culpepper, Va., and nephews, Scott (Tammy) Stehlik, Blufton, S.C. and Joe (Debie) Sanda, Patchogue, N.Y.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles; son, Charlie; and twin sister, Lilyann. I’m sure their reunion will be epic!
Visitation was held on Sunday, March 27, 2022 at Farrell-Holland- Gale 110 S 7th Street, Oregon from 3-5 p.m.. A Celebration of Rosemarie’s Life will be held 10 a.m. on Monday, March 28, 2022 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Carl Rasmussen officiating. Burial at Riverview Cemetery in Oregon with luncheon following. You are invited to come and enjoy one last meal with Rosemarie. A memorial fund is being established in Rosemarie’s name for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Serenity Hospice and Home.
