Rosalie Zaretzky

Asleep in Jesus on December 23, 2020.

Rosalie Elizabeth Zaretzky, youngest of six children, was born December 17, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri.  She was baptized in infancy.  She received her elementary education at Timothy Lutheran parochial school and was confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church on Palm Sunday in 1954.

At Hope Lutheran on November 18, 1956 she married Thomas Edwin Zaretzky with whom she enjoyed 59 years in the nuptial estate until his passing on January 30, 2016.  To this union were born their children and grandchildren:  Thomas Jr. (Leigh Ann), Benjamin, and Jacob Zaretzky, Michael (Lori), Addy, Joseph, and Jack Zaretzky and Tracy Zaretzky.  She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Lois Loduca, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Rosalie was proceeded in death by her brothers and sisters:  James Loduca, Carmella Zarlenga, Jennie Melkowski, Joseph Loduca, Sam Loduca and two infant siblings.

Born of immigrant parents, who through hard labor acquired a restaurant.  Rosalie experienced a childhood where she was no stranger to effort and toil.  She herself became and accomplished cook as well as a diligent and loving spouse, mother, and grandmother who dearly cherished and cared for her family.  Her compassion for those experiencing life’s struggles and difficulties ever served as encouragement and uplift for those who knew her and were blessed by her.  She will be missed.

In 1965 she and Tom, with their family, transferred to Peace Lutheran Church where their membership since has remained.

Rosalie experienced relatively good health until being diagnosed with carcinoma in 2000.  She afterwards underwent lymphatic surgery which unfortunately resulted in edema with which she subsequently had to contend until her passing.  She fortunately, however, was able to continue to live independently (attended by help from her family) in her home until November of 2016 after breaking her ankle.  No longer able to walk, she became a resident at Lutheran Senior Services, Laclede Groves in St. Louis.  She remained there until Friday, December 11th when she was admitted to Mercy South Hospital where she peacefully departed this life, surrounded by her family at 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2020.  She attained the age of 80 years and six days.

Visitation at Peace Lutheran Church on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. to time of service at 10:30 a.m.  Rosalie will be interred in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri on Monday, January 4, 2021.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Benevolent Care Fund at Laclede Groves, 723 South Laclede Station Road, St. Louis, MO 63119 or Peace Lutheran Church 737 Barracksview Road, St. Louis, MO 63125.