Rosemary Ila Gericke

Rosemary Ila Gericke (Varin) born July 18, 1939 passed March 31, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones. She was 83 years young. Born to John and Susan Varin, she grew up North of Gooding on her folks cattle ranch with her three brothers. Jimmy Varin and Jack (Cindy) Varin. She was preceded in death by her younger brother Jerry Varin. She had many stories about growing up with three boys in the country. Rosemary graduated from Gooding High. She furthered her education by attending Colorado Women's College then married the love of her life William R Gericke. November 15, this year, is their 65th Wedding Anniversary.

They share two daughters Robin Gericke and Susan (Bruce) Rittenhouse. Granddaughter Erica Liz Bristol (Matt Kennedy), great-grandsons Trysten Bristol and Trevor Bristol (Michayla Nalder). Granddaughters Helen (Tyson) Melish, Emily (Cory) Astin. Grandsons John (Nika) Matkin and Wesley Rittenhouse. Great-grands Kennedy and Addison, Jack, Willow and Cameron. Her love will remain in our hearts until we meet again.

Rosemary started her career at Mortgage Insurance. Then, she was hired at ISU. Rosemary was "The Rock of the Biology Dept". She loved her job and the people she worked with. You could hear the clicking of her high heels in the halls of ISU and the halls of the Masonic Temple. She followed her mother's footsteps and became Grand Matron in The Order of Eastern Star. She held many offices in Eastern Star, Beauceant and Job's Daughters.

After retirement she worked at Prime Time Auctions with Julie, her 4-ever best friend who preceded her in death. Her first BFF's were her cousins. The last several years they've met in Hagerman for lunch. Their laughter was heard throughout town. "The Gibson Girls" and Rosemary played cards for many hours. They had outings to Sun Valley and Island Park. Wherever she went, she shined! Rosemary loved to laugh! Her smile will be missed by many.

The family would like to thank the staff at Caring Hearts. Thank you for your dedication to Rosemary. We are grateful for your compassion, loving care and kindness.

~ Remembrances ~
Rosemary's family including Aunts, Uncles and Cousins were important to our family, especially Rosemary. On the small ranch north of Gooding where she was raised, we often hosted extended family at reunions, dinners or just visits. She was always concerned about those around her and how she could help them be comfortable, a lesson she learned from her mother and carried forward.

When she moved to Pocatello and married Bill, my younger brother and I always looked forward to our visits there because there were new treats such as Kentucky Fried Chicken. Our mother raised chickens on the ranch, so chicken was frequently on the menu for our meals. Nonetheless, the crispy Kentucky Fried Chicken seemed to be much better as well as the ice cream treats that we didn't have in Gooding.

Pocatello was a significant drive from Gooding. I remember several times, my father battling snow and an occasional dust storm coming and going. Our trips were in the late fall, winter and spring because we were busy on the ranch full-time in the summer.

A highlight of the early summer was when we finally got our cattle drive into the mountains north of Fairfield. The day we arrived with the cattle was a big day. We always celebrated with a big picnic with the families of the other ranchers and their families who were involved with the cattle drive after we had branded the calves. Rosemary, Bill, Robin and Susan were always invited and attended several. It seemed important to Rosemary for them to experience this event as a family legacy. (written by Jack Varin)

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com
208-232-0542

 

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