Rosemary K. Fortunato

Rosemary K. Fortunato, 97, passed away at home with family by her side, Saturday October 9, 2021. She was born in Fond du Lac on January 25, 1924, a daughter of James and Lenora (Grosse) Keenan. On June 21, 1947, Rosemary married Joseph Fortunato at St. Patrick’s Church in Fond du Lac. He preceded her in death on August 11, 2004.



In addition to raising seven extraordinary children, Rosemary worked at Miles Kimball and later retired from AC Nielsen where she worked in data processing. In retirement she enjoyed golfing with her sister and brother-in-law, traveling with family and friends, and gardening. She loved reading with a special interest in history and enjoyed sharing with us our family history and her Irish heritage. Rosemary lived at her lakeside home for over 70 years where she took pride in using her snowblower in the winter and mowing the lawn on her John Deere tractor in the summer. She did allow her children to rake the leaves in the fall. Rosemary’s favorite pastime was visiting and playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.



Rosemary is survived by six children, Joseph B. Fortunato, Lenore (Mark) VandeBerg, Dennis (Patricia) Fortunato, Patrick (Diane) Fortunato, Kathleen (Dan) Razner, and Gerald Fortunato (Brenda Winkler); twelve grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Elaine (Ray) Bauer, Patricia Hornes; and many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph; a son, Michael Fortunato; brothers, sisters, and in-laws, Donald Keenan, Madelyn (John) Wendels, James (Kay) Keenan, Jr., Robert (Shirley) Keenan, Jerome Keenan, Bob Hornes, Stella (Gerry) Taylor, Lucille Kruck, and Peter Fortunato.



Visitation for Rosemary will be held from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Saturday October 16, 2021, at Sacred Heart Church, 200 S. Peters Ave. in Fond du Lac. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM followed by entombment in Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery.



The family appreciates the care and compassion Rosemary received from SSM Health Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be directed to a hospice program of your choice or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.



The family requests that face coverings be worn during the visitation and Mass.







Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com