Obituary of Rosmarie Kleinke

It is with great sadness that the family of Rosmarie (Ertl) Kleinke announces her passing which occurred after a brief illness at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Born in Immenstadt, Germany on November 18, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Regina Ertl.

Rosmarie, lovingly known as “Oma” immigrated to Canada from Germany in 1959 with her husband, Gunther and daughter, Heike. She worked at Sears and later as a cook at the Mechanics Kitchen. A beloved family anchor, she radiated warmth and light and cherished time with her grandchildren during many visits and sleepovers. She loved treating her grand furbabies, Cooper and Mina, with cheese and peanut butter. Rosmarie’s passion for cooking shone through at regular Sunday dinners, where she lovingly fed her family.  

Rosmarie lived in the Milford community for many years, where she had formed lifelong friendships. She enjoyed her time at Mary’s cottage, on Lake Utopia. Rosmarie and Gunther enjoyed their time in nature especially by the beach and took many daytrips with their children and friends. Rosmarie was an avid walker. Before her eyesight began to decline, she could be seen daily walking up Milford Rd on her way to Tim Hortons.  In her spare time, she enjoyed reading action and crime thrillers and later transitioned to audiobooks.

Rosmarie leaves behind her children, Robert Kleinke, Ralph Kleinke, Michelle Lohnes (Jason); son-in-law, Peter Furness; grandchildren, Rian Kleinke (John), Hilary Kleinke (Jay), Katrina Glenn (Chris), Lisa Furness, Max Kleinke, Owen Lohnes; great-grandchildren, Ava Kleinke, Lilyan Furness, Carson Glenn, Gunther Perley, Robbie and Nevaeh; fur-grandbabies, Cooper and Mina; brother, Peter Ertl.

In addition to her parents, Rosmarie was predeceased by her husband, Gunther Kleinke; daughter, Heike Furness; daughter-in-law, Patricia Kleinke; brothers, Max, Mumfred & Sep.

Special Thanks to Dr. Alexis Lamontange and staff of Family Medicine (5BN), Dr. Chris O’Brien and staff of Palliative Care Unit (3BN) for their care and compassion during this difficult time.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from Holy Spirit Parish (St. Rose) on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 9:30 AM with interment to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations in memory of Rosmarie may be made to Bobby’s Hospice, Palliative Care Unit (3BN), West Branch Public Library, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com