Rosemary Heller 1929—2016Rosemary (Ricke) Heller, 87 of Stockton, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the Lena Living Center in Lena. She was born on August 3, 1929 in Menominee; the daughter of the late Herman and Susan (Bonnet) Ricke. She was educated in Menominee and graduated from East Dubuque High School in 1946. She was employed with the Telephone Co. in Dubuque as an information, long distance and trainer operator. She married Foster Heller on October 1, 1949 at Nativity Church in Menominee. In 1954 they moved to Woodbine and started in the farming business. She enjoyed the life of a farm wife. They raised their 4 children in that area. She was an election judge for over 20 years. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church of Stockton. She was an avid reader and was a sweet natured, kind hearted lady. Rosemary was a person of strong faith and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life. She and her husband moved into Stockton in 2003 after retiring from farming. She is survived by her husband, Foster of Stockton; son, Stan (Deanna) Heller of McFarland, WI; 3 daughters, Sharon (Richard) Kump of Stockton, Kathy Knauer (Patrick Breen) of Elizabeth, and Donna (Grant) Offenheiser of Derinda; 7 grandchildren, Melissa (Justin) Luecke of Freeport, Keri Daman of Crystal Lake, Matthew Kump (Vic) of San Jose, CA, Kyle Knauer of Elizabeth, Michael (Abby Strack) Offenheiser of Elizabeth, Jack and Claire Heller of McFarland, WI; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Clarence (Mary) Ricke of East Dubuque, and 3 sisters, Rosella McCarthy of Lake Villa, Alverna Ricke of Lake Zurich and Anna Mae (Robert) Sadler of East Dubuque, IL. She is preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Arnold; sisters, Rita Knautz and Celia Ricke; 5 half-brothers; 2 half-sisters; and 2 brothers-in-law.The funeral service will be held Thursday, September 29th at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 9 a.m. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Stockton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared with her family at www.hermannfuneralhome.com.