Rosemary Ann (Josh) Furkin died during a lengthy hospital stay on March 18, 2014 at the age of 73. Rosemary, the oldest daughter of George and Frances (Polivka) Josh, was born in Crown Point, Indiana on June 17, 1940.
Rosemary received a Bachelors degree in Home Economics and Masters degree in Chemistry from Purdue University. It was there that she met her husband, James W. Furkin (1941 - 1999), who she married in April of 1962.
After graduating from Purdue University with a Bachelor's of Science degree, Rosemary taught grade school while pursuing her Masters degree. After receiving her Masters she became the basic chemistry laboratory coordinator at Purdue. Rosemary and her husband then moved to Fowler Indiana where she spent many years managing the town's water treatment plant and the Benton County Senior Center. Her career continued to be as varied as her curiosity. Each career change added richness to her life.
After the death of her husband and mother, she relocated with her son, John, to Oshkosh in 2007 to be closer to her remaining family. Rosemary became active in the First Presbyterian Church in Oshkosh. She spent her free time making quilts, cooking, reading, and crocheting. Her quality of life, positive attitude and feisty nature are an inspiration to all who knew her. She always enjoyed a good debate or philosophic conversation.
Rosemary is survived by her son, John W. Furkin; sister, Celia Josh-Sawicki of Oshkosh; Celias' children: Elizabeth Sawicki of Glendale, WI, Gregory Sawicki of Oshkosh, and Eric and Tonia (Habeck) Sawicki and their children: Anna and Wyatt, all of Oshkosh; and her husband's half- brothers, Jeff and John B. Holladay of Indiana.
Memorial services for Rosemary will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at the First Presbyterian Church, 110 Church Avenue, Oshkosh, WI. Visitation and refreshments will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Rosemary will be laid to rest with her husband on Mother's day in the Sand Ridge Cemetery, Otterbein, Indiana.