Andrew H Rosebrook

ANDREW HENRY ROSEBROOK Andrew Henry Rosebrook’s journey through life ended on July 19th, 2012. His 86 years were well-lived in the Ohio communities of Deshler, Ottawa, Pandora and Perrysburg. Andy is survived by his wife Luella Mae (Sommers) and four children - Jennifer McDougall, Amy Miller, Jim Rosebrook and Rachel Petropoulos. Andy was born on October 22, 1925 in rural Deshler, to Anna (Hoops) and Emil Rosebrook. He lost his father when he was just two years old, but was fortunate to have a strong mother and the love of family, including Ellen Petersen and Charlotte Harris of Deshler, and Lillian Massmann and brother, Oren, both deceased. He enjoyed playing basketball while in High School, but Andy cut his senior year short to enlist in the Army Air Forces during WWII. Trained as a tail-gunner, he was stationed in Italy (1944-45) and flew on many bombing missions over German factories. On one mission, the pilot of Andy's B-24 was killed by anti-aircraft shrapnel. Andy attended Bowling Green State University and captured the heart of fellow student, Luella Mae Sommers. They married August 29, 1948 and made their residence in Lu's hometown of Ottawa. As a young man, Andy worked at the Ottawa HUB Market as a meat-cutter. He also had further involvement with community service by being elected to the Ottawa Village Council. Andy was proud of his part in helping to bring a municipal swimming pool to local residents. In 1959, Andy and Lu purchased a grocery store in Pandora, and built the business of Rosebrook’s IGA. In fair weather and foul, this store supplied the pantries of this farming community. For nearly thirty years, Andy was a daily fixture in this yellow-brick building - behind the meat counter, at the register, bagging groceries. He was very loved by his customers - always generous with a smile, a story, a joke, or whatever might help those in need. Andy continued his civic duty as a squad member of Pandora's first Emergency Medical Service. After selling the grocery business in 1987, Andy entered semi-retirement. He continued to work as a Weights and Measures Inspector for the Putnam County Auditor's office. In his off time, he enjoyed playing cards with friends at the Eagles and VFW in Ottawa, and going to Toledo Raceway Park. Andy and Lu moved to Perrysburg in 2005. Andy was able to take an Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2010. It was a highlight of his later life. Any contributions to Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio in his memory would have pleased him very much. Andy Rosebrook was a happy person and a life coach to his children, nieces and nephews, 12 grandchildren and 10 great randchildren. He taught them all to have clean fingernails and a good smile. He taught them deeper lessons as well - work hard, treat people fairly, enjoy the small things and cherish those around you. He will live on in the hearts of many. Friends will be received Tuesday, July 24, 2012 from 10-11 A.M. at Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary St. Perrysburg (419-874-3133) where a memorial service will be held at 11 A.M. Burial will private.