Rosemary “Rosie” Moerke, age 73, of Luverne, died Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by family and friends.
She was born on August 9, 1951, in Luverne, to Frank and Esther (Snyder) Mulligan. Rosie was the youngest of 10 children. Though she entered the world small enough to fit in a shoebox, her heart and spirit were anything but tiny. She had a vibrant spark, a quick wit, and an endless supply of laughter and love for those lucky enough to know her. Rosie graduated from Luverne High School in 1970 and went on to attend Pipestone Vo-Tech.
On June 17, 1972, she married the love of her life, Dale Moerke, at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. Together they shared a life full of love, and adventure — living in St. Paul, Minnesota, as newlyweds; San Angelo, Texas; Italy; and Mountain Home, Idaho, during Dale’s military service, then Rushmore, Minnesota, and Worthington, Minnesota, before settling in Luverne in 1987.
Throughout her life, Rosie wore many hats — working for the Minnesota State Planning Agency, running an in-home day care, cooking at Country Kitchen, and making a lasting impact as a teacher’s aide at Luverne High School. She was especially proud to be a founding member of Luverne’s first Para Professional union.
She was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church and a dear friend to many. She found joy in the simple things — tending to her flowers, chatting with friends, reading a good book, and loving every animal she met. She gave her heart fully to her family and was endlessly proud of her children and grandchildren.
Rosie is survived by her loving husband of nearly 53 years, Dale Moerke of Luverne; her four children, Aaron (Shari) Moerke of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Andrew (Teresa) Moerke of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Alison (Noel) Benjamin of Luverne, and Alicia (Rajesh Singh and his children Rohan, Rahul, and Rhea) Engelking of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren, Carter, Keegan, and Peyton Moerke, Duncan and Norah Benjamin, and Logan and Brynn Engelking and their father, David. Rosie is also survived by her brothers, William (Mary Lou) Mulligan of Luverne and Michael Mulligan of Magnolia, as well as her sister-in-law Dorothy Mulligan of Pennsylvania.
She was welcomed into eternal rest by her parents, Frank and Esther; parents-in-law, William and Mildred Moerke; her granddaughter, Amber Ackel; six brothers, Robert, Donald, Eugene, John, James, and Richard Mulligan; and her sister, Carol Van Orden.
A time of fellowship and remembrance was from 4–7 p.m. Friday, May 23, at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne, and one hour prior to the service at the church. A Memorial Mass was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne, officiated by Monsignor Gerald Kosse. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
Rosie’s life was a testament to love, kindness, and resilience. She gave the world her heart, and in doing so, made it a softer, more beautiful place.
