Rosemary G. “Rosie” Brimeyer, 87, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at her residence at Eagle Pointe Place.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, with Pastor Matt Beers officiating. Burial will follow in the East Dubuque Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 25, at the funeral home.

Rosie was born on October 5, 1937, in East Dubuque, the daughter of Vincent L. and Marie A. (Loeffelholz) Hoftender. She was united in marriage to Hubert R. “Jr.” Brimeyer on April 12, 1980, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Dubuque. Known fondly as Jr. or Herb, her husband of 45 years was her loving companion and greatest supporter.

Rosie was a trailblazer—one of the first female foremen at John Deere Dubuque, where she worked for 25 years with strength, leadership, and quiet determination. Her legacy there endures in the many lives she touched and the doors she helped open.

She found joy in gardening, tending her flowers, shopping, and especially in the kitchen. Rosie’s cooking and baking were legendary. Her holiday celebrations—especially Christmas—were unforgettable, filled with favorite dishes she lovingly prepared for each person, stunning decorations, and an abundance of thoughtful gifts. Family and friends knew that Rosie’s home was a place of warmth, generosity, and celebration. She made every gathering special, and everyone was welcome at her table.

She is survived by her husband, Hubert; four children: Kim (Charlie) Stanton of Peosta, IA, Lynne Baumhover of Dubuque, IA, Charles (Lisa) Shepherd of East Dubuque, IL, and Tracey Shepherd-Briggs of Galena, IL; 14 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: LeRoy Hoftender, Vincent “Jiggs” Hoftender, Shirley (Rick) Gassman, Gerald “Moe” (Lynn) Hoftender, Pat Gross; and sister-in-law, Deanna Hoftender.

Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, her granddaughter Robin Deutmeyer; her brothers, Robert, Donald, and Raymond Hoftender; sisters-in-law Virginia Hoftender and Modesta “Sis” Hoftender; and brother-in-law Roger Gross.

Rosie was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. Her family is grateful to the staff at Eagle Pointe Place and Hospice of Dubuque for their kind and compassionate care.

A Rosemary G. Brimeyer memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©