Carl F. Rosebrock

Carl F. Rosebrock, born April 15, 1892, was the oldest son of John and Maria (Badenhop) Rosebrock. He was baptised and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church, Freedom Township. He walked to the country day school and as a young man helped his father farm. During World War I he served his country, leaving in June, 1918, seeing action in Germany, and returning safely when the war ended.

On November 4, 1920, he married Mary Gerken. She was the daughter of Wilhelm and Anna (Eggers) Gerken. Soon after their marriage in February, 1921, they moved to a farm in Freedom Township on what is now County Road T 1, which their son, Walter, now farms. Carl and Mary were faithful and active members of St. John Lutheran Church. Carl held many of the church council positions and Mary was one of the charter members of the Ladies Aid.

They were the parents of seven children. Hildegard (b. December 5, 1921) married Carl Maassel on January 15, 1940, and their children are: Marlin, Loren, Donald, Elmer and Susan. They live on County Road T where Carl has always farmed.

Laura, born September 28, 1924, died in June, 1925.

Elder (b. November 29, 1926) married Elnora Gobrogge November 22, 1953, and their children are: Mary, Carlton, Lester, Michael and Arlene. They live on County Road 15 where the family farms.

Walter (b. October 25, 1930) married Lois Hoops on November 24, 1957, and their children are: Teresa, Donna, Laurie (deceased), and Alan. They live on the home place on County Road T 1 where Walter is a farmer.

Arnold (b. November 26, 1932) married Mary Ann Schroeder on October 21, 1956, and their children are: Daniel, Patricia, Barry, Richard and Roger. They live in Leipsic where Arnold is owner of Ward Construction Company.

Marilyn (b. Mary 16, 1935) married Robert Hershberger on November 4, 1956, and their children are Scott and Pamela. They live in Napoleon and Robert works for a construction company.

Lester (b. April 24, 1938) died three days later.

After thirty-six years of farming they retired and moved to Napoleon. This did not stop them from being busy and very alert. Mary created many beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren. Carl, even though retired, spent many days at the farm to lend a hand when needed. It was during this busy time a tractor caught fire. Carl was in the house when his son-in-law came running in for another fire extinguisher. When Carl heard about the fire he quickly jumped up, grabbed his hat and was heard saying as he ran out of the house "I've never seen a tractor burn before." He was seventy-seven and always eager to see and learn new things.

On September 22, 1971, Carl died at the age of seventy-nine years. Mary died a year later on October 8, 1972 at the age of seventy-four years. They are both buried at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, Freedom Township.

Submitted by: Mrs. Donald Maassel