Rosemary E. Stratman

Rosemary E Stratman, Elberfeld, IN

Rosemary Elma Stratman, 92, of Elberfeld IN passed away on Oct. 8 , 2025 surrounded by family.

Rosemary was born on July 27, 1933, in Elberfeld IN to her parents, Walter and Lorena (Deneke) Menke. She graduated from Elberfeld high school with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. When Rosemary was 17, her life was redirected as she lost her mother to cancer. She then dedicated her life to helping raise her eight younger siblings. Even after marrying her sweetheart, Clyde Stratman, together they continued to care for her family and grandparents. Rosemary took her passion for teaching and children and served leading Sunday school for over 65 years. She also enjoyed leading children’s choir and her Girl Scout troop. In everything she did, Rosemary exuded joy , enthusiasm and love of God. After her three children were grown, she began to paint which became her passion and one of her greatest gifts. Rosemary was also known for gifting her famous German Kuchens to special friends during the year. Love, service and faith in God characterized her life That impacted not only her family, but generations of others.

Rosemary was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, Clyde Stratman; her brothers,Vernon, Lester, Russell, Raymond, Bennie and Marvin. She is survived by her daughter, Joyce (David) Hubert , sons, Robert (Kathie) Stratman and Glenn Stratman; her grandchildren,Suzanne (Brian) Partridge, Kristie (Jeff) Thompson, Adam (Sarah) Hubert, Laura (Luke) Burket, David (Alex) Hubert, and Britni Miller; Sisters, Mariana (Larry) Meyer, Jane ( Phillip) Meyer; brothers, Gary (Lavada) Menke, David (Lisa) Menke and 18 Great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held in Rosemary’s honor at Zion UCC of Elberfeld on Thursday, October 16 at 10 AM with a graveside ceremony to follow directly after the service at Zion cemetery in Elberfeld. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 15 from 4 PM to 7 PM at Titzer Family Funeral Homes Volkman Chapel, 2nd and Elm St., Elberfeld, IN. One hour of additional visitation will take place before the funeral service, from 9:00 a.m. until service at 10:00 a.m., on October 16th at Zion UCC.

Memorial contributions in Rosemary‘s memory may be made to Zion UCC of Elberfeld.