It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Rose Marie "Rosie" Reckelhoff (nee Gehlhausen) on May 18, 2026, just shy of her 95th birthday. Born on May 30, 1931, in Ferdinand, Indiana to the late Theresia A. and late Leo G. Gehlhausen. Growing up on the family farm alongside her three brothers and three sisters (Irvin, Leo Jr., Eugene, Helen, Esther, Dorothy), she cultivated not only a strong work ethic but a love for family that would last a lifetime.

In 1950, Rosie met the love of her life, Roman H. Reckelhoff. Roman was the younger brother of Frank Reckelhoff, who married Rose Marie's older sister Esther. Their first dance at a family gathering sparked a beautiful journey together that spanned 68 exhilarating years. Over the years, Rosie and Roman welcomed nine sons into their family-John, Ken (Teresa), Jerry (fiancée Joy), Charlie (Cheryl), Jim (Patricia), Herb (Nancy), Dan (Debbie), Fred (Bernice), and lost their beloved son Greg (Pam) too soon. Together, they embraced the chaos and joy of raising a large family, who now honors Rosie's legacy with 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Rosie's adventurous spirit shone bright across her many roles in life. Not only an accomplished homemaker, she was a talented DIYer with a remarkable sense of humor. Rosie and Roman embarked on several entrepreneurial endeavors, from a TV and Radio repair service to a real estate rental proprietorship, showcasing their passion for family and community. Her joys included gardening, cooking, canning, and dancing the night away to square and polka music, bringing light and laughter to every gathering.

Visitation will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, located at 5361 Dry Ridge Road, on Wednesday, May 27, from 10:30 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. We invite all who knew and loved Rosie to come together and celebrate her remarkable life, share their stories, and reflect on the love she freely gave and the laughter she brought into this world.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John School, 5375 Dry Ridge Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45252, to honor Rosie's enduring legacy of nurturing and community spirit.

Though Rosie has left our earthly realm, her warmth, humor, and love will forever remain in our hearts.