Service Information
RoseMary A. Kirtz, age 86, of Hector, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Golden Hearts Assisted Living in Arlington.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island, Minnesota, with interment in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Hector.
Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 A.M., two hours prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of RoseMary (Billmeier) Kirtz, who peacefully went home to be with her Lord on April 23, 2025. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, a proud grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend to many.
RoseMary was born on December 2, 1938, the daughter of Frank and Eleanora (Heiderscheidt) Billmeier of Morgan. She attended St. Michael’s Catholic School and Morgan High School. She continued her education at Mankato State College, graduating with a three-year degree in elementary education. In August of 1958, she began her teaching career in Hector where she was a classroom teacher, community education director, and librarian.
On June 10, 1961, she married Gerald Kirtz. This union was blessed with four children, Ann, Patricia, Douglas, and Dennis. Together they built their family home filled with faith, dedication and love in rural Hector. In 2002, Jerry and RoseMary moved to Hector. They shared 57 years of marriage until Jerry passed on November 18, 2018.
RoseMary was a faithful member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Hector where she was involved in many functions including committees and CCW. She was awarded the Bishop’s Service Award in 2004 and Diocesan Distinguished Service Award for work done in her parish, region, and the Diocese of New Ulm. RoseMary was a talented seamstress turned quilter. Many enjoy her beautiful quilts pieced and stitched with love by RoseMary.
When RoseMary needed help with her care, she moved to Golden Hearts LLC in Arlington, Minnesota, in December 2024, where she received tender loving care.
Left to cherish her memory are
Children, Ann Eckberg (Tom) of Gaylord, Patricia (Kelly) Heitkamp of Janesville, Douglas (Lorie) of Hector and Dennis (Cary) of Hector;
Nine grandchildren, Maxwell (Ashley) Eckberg, Megan (Lukas) Bullert, Spencer Heitkamp, Erin Heitkamp, Seth Kirtz, Eli Kirtz, Sadie Kirtz, Philip Kirtz and Leah Kirtz;
Step-grandchildren, Jessica (Rick) Linde, Joel (Katie) Eckberg;
Great-grandchildren, Ava, Ames, and Dane Eckberg, and Noah and Madilyn Bullert;
Step-great-grandchildren, Mason and Brooklynn Linde, and Aiden, Talen and Avery Eckberg;
Brothers, Dan (Carol) Billmeier, Joe (Donna) Billmeier, Tim (Glennis) Billmeier, James (Barb) Billmeier, Bruce (Teri) Billmeier;
Sisters, Virginia (Ken) Landkammer, Brenda Schroeder and Barbara (Dave) Melberg;
Brother-in-law, Bruce Bellrichard;
Sister-in-law, Eileen Kirtz;
many nieces and nephews.
Though our hearts ache in her absence, we take comfort in knowing she is rejoicing in the presence of Jesus.
Susan Billmeier says
Our sympathies to all of Rosemary’s family.
Carol Beckler says
MY prayers for the family!!
Cindy Miller says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carol Westhoff says
My sympathy to all the family. Rosemary was a lovely lady—kind and always had a smile for others!
Connie Kalenberg says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your dad and my dad were cousins (Gene Hogan), I remember visiting years ago, what a beautiful lady.
Shari Heinze (Battes) says
I remember Rosemary as the other parent that went the extra mile for teaching us kids at CCD.
Our families would sit across the aisle from each other.
May the Lord God grant you all peace and comfort in this hard time as a family.
God bless you all
Shari Heinze (Battes)
Red Bushman says
Sorry for your loss. May your memories of a great mother comfort your family!