Rosalyn Ann Haverkamp Hermesch 90 of Seneca, Kansas passed away April 15, 2025, at Life Care Center of Seneca, Kansas surrounded by her family.

Rosalyn was born on May 17, 1934 on a farm north of Kelly, Kansas, as the daughter of Lawrence and Matilda (Holthaus) Haverkamp. Rosalyn grew up alongside her 2 sisters and 3 brothers. She attended St. Bede’s Schools in Kelly and graduated from high school in 1952. Following graduation, she worked as a cook at St. Bede’s School.

During a high school dance, Rosalyn met the love of her life, Fred Hermesch. On June 17, 1953 they were united in marriage at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly and to this union three sons and a daughter were born.

As newlyweds they lived in Kansas City while she worked at Hallmark. However, their hearts remained in Nemaha County, and in 1954, they returned home settling on Fred’s home place.

In 1956, they purchased a farm NE of Kelly where they farmed and operated a Grade “A” Dairy for 47 years and raised their family before moving to Seneca in 2002. The couple celebrated 54 years of marriage before Fred’s death on October 27, 2007.

Throughout her life, Rosalyn embraced hard work and lived out her vocation as a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She played an active part in the farm and dairy operation, often brightening long days in the fields with her homemade treats and refreshing drinks. She loved supporting her children and grandchildren in their activities, and treasured time spent with family and friends.

Rosalyn was an active member at St. Bede’s Church, serving as a lay minister and as President of the Altar Society. She was actively involved in the community, belonging to W&W Club, Friendly Neighbors Unit, Seneca Hospital Pitch Club, and active with the Seneca Bloodmobile as a volunteer and donor. She was instrumental in getting the Kelly 4-H Club started and spent countless hours at local nursing homes, bringing joy to residents through card games and companionship. Rosalyn also enjoyed years of bowling and had a passion for embroidery, creating beautiful tea towels, quilt blocks and pillowcases for her family. She enjoyed traveling to visit relatives across the US and Germany, yet found the greatest joy in welcoming loved ones into her home with warmth and hospitality. Her legendary homemade cinnamon rolls and love for hosting family gatherings will always be fondly remembered.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Fred, loving parents Lawrence and Matilda Haverkamp, brothers Clete and Lynn Haverkamp, and sister Armella Freeman.

She is survived by her children Wayne (D’Ann) Hermesch of Seneca, Brenda (Mike) Bergman of Topeka, Keith (Deb) Hermesch of Seneca, and Max (Diane) Hermesch of Sabetha.  Ten Grandchildren: Jason (Allison) Hermesch, Jaci (Ryan) Riddle, Emily (Matt) Stuever, Katie (Cole) Carver, Brent (Elizabeth) Bergman, Michelle (Kevin) Grose, Paula (Phil) Sanders, Eric (Jamie) Hermesch, Dana (Darrick) Hoffer and Brianna Hermesch. Twenty-nine Great Grandchildren: Ty, Cole, Matilda & Elsie Hermesch, Emma, Alex, Evan, & Adam Riddle, Madison, Allie, Katelyn and Gabe Stuever, Blakely, Kennedy, Kamden & Jordyn Carver, Aden and Kali Bergman, Leyton and Landry Grose, Oscar, Grey and Julia Sanders & Fredric, Clare and Jay Hermesch, Dane, Duke and Dani Hoffer. Siblings Connie (Steve) Koelzer of White City, KS, brother Larry (Lucille) Haverkamp of Berryton, KS, Sister-n-law Marcina Haverkamp of Seneca, KS and many nieces and nephews.

Her love and legacy will live on in every embroidery stitch, every pitch game played with a smile, and every sweet bite of a cinnamon roll.

Rosaries will be on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 3 & 7 P.M. at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM Monday, April 21, 2025 at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly.   Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials can be given in Rosalyn’s memory to the Kelly Heritage Fund and/or Best Life Community Services (Formerly NCTC), and sent in care of the family.