Rosemary Zuercher

Rosemary (McCarthy) Zuercher, passed away on May 1, 2025 in Wichita, KS, at the age of 96. She was born to James R. McCarthy Sr. and Genevieve (Farrell) McCarthy in Milwaukee, WI on July 28, 1928. As a member of the Greatest Generation, Rosemary served for three years during the war as a nurse’s aide at Milwaukee County Hospital, beginning at the age of fifteen while her two older brothers fought overseas. Rosemary discovered a love for theater at a young age and performed in stage productions throughout her high school and college years. She enjoyed being a member of the Milwaukee Players. Rosemary attended Mercy High School in Milwaukee and Mount Mary College in Wauwatosa, WI where she majored in Speech and Forensics. She taught English and Speech at Dodgeville High School in Dodgeville, WI where she also extended her theater skills as a drama coach. In 1954, Rosemary married Bruce Zuercher of Whitewater, KS who she had met on a blind date. Together they started a family and in 1960 moved with their four oldest children to Wichita, where Bruce expanded his legal practice. She focused on her ever-increasing family and community, supporting them in numerous ways. Rosemary and Bruce were longtime parishioners at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. She devoted countless hours to church related volunteer activities and started five church missions which are ongoing to this day. Following her husband’s passing in 2008, Rosemary continued her involvement with the church. In 2016, she moved to the Catholic Care Center in Bel Aire where she developed lasting friendships. Rosemary’s radiant joy, positive outlook, and generosity influenced everyone. Her loving nature brought comfort to many; she led by example. Rosemary is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Jim, Ray, and Don McCarthy. She is survived by her eight children: Mark (Jane) Zuercher, Greg Zuercher, Lynn Zuercher, Todd (Lynn) Zuercher, Anne (Paul) Edmiston, Jean (Ory) Shefi, Paul (Gia) Zuercher, Joan (Dan) Danitschek, and fifteen grandchildren. Rosary will be said at 5:00 pm, Wednesday, May 7, and the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, on Thursday, May 8, both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Wichita. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to The Lord’s Diner, the Catholic Care Center or St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group-Cozine Life Events Center.