Rosemarie Dantyma Osmunson, 98
Rosemarie Dantyma Osmunson passed away September 30, 2020, 12 days before her 99th birthday.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, to Willard and Marie White, Rosemarie lived a very full and wonderful life. She graduated from Pacific Union College in Angwin, California, with an education degree. She married Robert Lee Osmunson and they had two children Marilyn Ruth Osmunson Hergert and Willard Earl Osmunson.
As a family, they spent seven years in East Africa as missionaries. Africa was one of Rosemarie's favorite places in the world, second only to Sandpoint, and she reminisced of her adventures there often. Returning to the United States in 1962 she taught school in Mt. Vernon, Ohio and California where seventh and eighth grades were her great love. "Their teenage hormones made life so rewarding." During their first 22 years of marriage, the family moved 23 times.
Rosemarie moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1994 where she finally settled down for over 20 years. Following her love of flowers she opened "The Rosepedaler" flower shop, first in the Sandcreek Plaza on Pine Street, then moved to the landmark Old McFarland house on the corner of Highway 95 and First Avenue, alongside son Bill's dental practice. This location provided not only a beautiful place for a floral shop but also a romantic setting for many small weddings conveniently situated right next to the Bonner County Courthouse.
Her gentle manner, attention to detail and her knowledge of flowers made any occasion special. Even a simple cup of tea or coffee with her many friends made you feel extra special. A side note, Rosemarie even worked one year volunteering on one of the Rose Parade floats in Pasadena, California.
Rosemarie moved to Seattle, Washington, in 2016 to live with her son, Bill. She passed away peacefully at home with Bill by her side. Although she lived a wonderfully full and long life she has left a hole in our hearts that may never be filled.
Rosemarie was preceded in death by her daughter, Marilyn; her husband, Robert; and her younger sister, Marilyn Tucker, who died just six days before her. They were the closest of friends and even though they could no longer visit in person the last few years spoke on the phone daily.
She is survived by her son, Bill Osmunson; grandchildren, Greg Hergert, Evie Lawson, and Kristy Thomas; and six great-grandchildren. Rosemarie also leaves behind many friends who adored and loved her like family. She will be forever in our hearts.
Rosemarie will be buried next to her daughter in Pinecrest Cemetery.