Service Details
Services celebrating Rose Mary’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 11:00AM with Pastor Patrick Roberts officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00AM until the time of service.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Rose Mary’s name be given to the Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus (https://secure.wihumane.org/site/Donation2)
Rose Mary Hermann, age 89, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family at Lakeshore at Sienna on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Rose Mary was born in Knoxville, TN to Samuel and Viola (nee: Houghton) Hodges on April 19, 1936. On December 1, 1973, she was united in marriage with Walter “Wally” Hermann. Rose Mary worked many years as a professional singer and was awarded the key to the city of Knoxville by the mayor when she left in 1975. She also was a great bartender and knew by “feel” just the right mix. Among her interests, Rose Mary was an accomplished artist; an avid reader; loved gardening and animals. First and foremost, Rose Mary loved spending time with Wally and family.
Surviving are her loving husband, Wally; children, Robert (Sharon) James, Mary (Barry) Barrett, Thomas James and Charles (Shelly) James; 18 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren. Rose Mary was preceded in death by her parents; stepson, Walter Hermann, Jr. and son, Steven James; and grandson, Billy James.
Rose Terry says
My grandma was a beacon of light, love and acceptance. As a child she would watch me after school. Knowing I would never use the bathroom because I was afraid of germs. She watched for me to get to her block. She would hold the door open as I ran towards her house, always smiling with love filled eyes. She made grilled cheese sandwhiches, tomota soup and ruffles. Her presence felt like the safest place in the world.
She showed her love through food. We shared many Friday night dinners together. The Women, Wine and Tazer club formed. We laughed, loved and filled our bellies. Nothing could beat Grandma’s Southern dinner. Macoroni and cheese, pinto beans, corn bread, sliced tomoto and Womplers sausage. I looked forward to every Friday night, not just because of the delicious food, but because of the love. She brought us together, helping to create the bonds that still exist today.
After my service in the military I lived with my grandparents, while going to school. Grandma and I would drink coffee together in the morning and watch tv. From crocidile hunter to HGTV to our horror movie marathons, she was a strong presence in my life. When my dog Odie came into our lives. My grandparents welcomed the newest member of our family. Grandma and I would take turns knocking his squeky ball from out under the coffee table with a meter stick, all while laughing and sharing our frustration.
She didn’t just give me beautiful memories, she left imprints of love on my heart. Her legacy is connection, compassion, acceptence, resilience and love. She was a gift to this world and our family. My dear beautiful grandma I wish you well on your journey, hold you near with love in my heart and honor your existence by giving the same love and compassion you have given me back to the world. Love you always.
Laura Terry says
Dear Gram:
Thanks for showing me a grandmother’s love. Thanks for being there during the hard times. Thanks for being a bright spot in my life. I love and will miss you forever.
Love,
Laura
Mary Barrett says
My mother was the most wonderful person. I have always wanted to emulate her many fine qualities, but even if I could emulate a few, I would be doing well. On the day she died, she had been hanging on for many days. We had a call with our pastor with about 20 or so family members present and he asked us each to give a word that describes her. There were so many words offered..kind, generous, loving, faithful, compassionate, understanding, and on and on. There was not one word mentioned that wasn’t true. She is truly an old soul and beautiful human being. Having spent the last seven years helping her through this transition, it was truly healing to hear how she had touched each of us. At the end of the call, the pastor said a prayer and she took her last breathe not two minutes later. Mommy I hope we gave you what you needed to move on and I will see you again one day. I will truly miss you, but feel so incredibly blessed to have you for my mother.
Bob and Sharon says
Love you mom.
Shelly James says
She loved people! Loved them well. And she did it with humility, always putting others before herself. Nobody was ever turned away. Her southern love and hospitality was so evident in their home. Plus, nobody else in my life has ever called me “Sugar”.😉
I will miss you so much, Mom. But I know you are loving Heaven!! And I know I will see you again. 💕
Jackie Stern (Mary D.’s daughter) says
My sincere sympathies to you, Mary, Wally and families. I will miss seeing you Mary in the evenings at Lakeshore at Siena.
Eternal rest grant onto Rose and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace, Amen🪽
Dee Djurovic and Family (Desanka’s daughter) says
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Wally and Rose’s entire family! We will miss seeing Rose at Lakeshore at Siena and miss seeing her sweet smile and sweet “hello”. May your precious memories bring you peace and comfort. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Mee Rule says
Well, I know I speak for all of us Mee Babies when I say, we really loved your mom. I would get so excited throughout my life when your Mom and Wally were coming to Knoxville for a visit. I remember going to the Howard Johnson’s to hear your Mom sing and I was star struck. She was just so glamorous. She was one of the most accepting, kind-hearted people that I have ever known. Although, we don’t see each other often, I always have your family in my heart and prayers.
With love, your cousin.
Cindy Mee Rule and Family
Kim James says
Rosie was such a warm, funny, interesting, kind, beautiful human. Her laugh was infectious and her intellect remarkable. She was the glue of the family, with her dear, devoted Wally always by her side. I hope she and her first born, Steven, are on heaven’s stage together singing together once again. I will never forget her.
Bill & Jean Mueller says
Rose & Wally have been our neighbors for many years and are the Best u could ask for!!
Rose was such a beautiful lady & so nice. Such a caring & generous person.
She had such a beautiful garden & would bring us her wonderful homemade sweet treats often!!
She will be missed!!
Our sympathy to Wally & the family!
Anonymous says
Blessings to all.
Susan Lied
Member of RIC
Chaplain and Associate of Racine Dominicans
Mo says
Gram, Thank you for your kindness, love, and jokes. It was a blessing to be surrounded by the laughter, love, and smiles you bright to your family. The way everyone’s eyes would light up the moment you came into the room is a testament to bond and relationship you shared with your loved ones. I’m so glad Rose (your namesake and granddaughter) brought you into my life, even if only for the last decade of your life. It’s been an honor. Sending love and prayers to the entire family.
Yolanda Lawson says
Sending strength and prayers to the family . May you find comfort and knowing that Grram Is resting in the arms of the Lord and that one day you’ll be able to see her again🩷
Yolanda Lawson says
Sending strength and prayers to the family may you find comfort in knowing thatGram Is resting in the arms of the Lord and that you will see her again one 🩷
Pamela says
My sweet Rose,
I’m so happy our lives crossed paths! Rose loved animals so much we would watch Pitbulls and paroles, Bronx Zoo, and the incredible Dr. Pol…We also watched games shows and music videos but my favorite was Good Bones. It showed a blended family building a foundation of love and trust in every home, and Rose my friend you turned us into family. Although Wally never signed the adoption papers I’m thankful to have known such a sweet soul! You made everyone feel welcomed, I’ll miss sitting on the porch with you drinking your coffee Wally prepared everyday with a cute little I love you card! Watching all the birds and looking at your beautiful yard together. I loved hearing all your stories but the one I liked the most is when Laura approved of you and she gave you a penny! That was one lucky penny and you got it!!! I’m happy that penny changed your life and later it led your path to cross mine years down the road….I could write a book on how much you mean to me and the rest of us, just know you are so loved and missed very dearly…until we meet again my friend 💜Pam
Mattarendt says
Rose lived a long fulfilling life full of many adventures. She has a loving family that will cherish her memory. God bless and stay strong. ❤️