Rosanna (Gallagher) Mayer

Rosanna “Rosie” Mayer, aged 95, of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, passed away on July 4, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 4, 1928, in Waukon, Iowa, she was the daughter of Patrick and Mary (Collins) Gallagher. Rosie graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Waukon, Iowa, in 1947. In 1950, she joined the United States Air Force, serving as a nurse in hospitals at Offutt Air Force Base (NE), Great Falls (MT), and Travis Air Force Base (CA). In 1957, she transitioned to become a flight attendant, proudly serving until 1961 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Rosie married Msgt Bernard F. Mayer, USAF/Ret, on December 30, 1961, at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, NM. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital for several years. Rosie was a remarkable wife and mother. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Bernard, Rosie is also survived by her children: TSgt Robert J. Mayer, USAF/Ret; Anton B. Mayer; Mary M. (Mayer) Dixon; and Catherine A. (Mayer) Breitsprecher (CW3 Scott J. Breitsprecher, USA Ret). Her grandchildren include James Mayer, Juliet Mayer, Nicolas Fiskaali, Tony Mayer, Curtis Dixon, Ellie Dixon, Catrina Mayer-Lynch (Patrick Lynch), and Gabrielle Breitsprecher. Daughter-in-laws Spring Mayer, Kim Papenfuss-Anderegg, Daisy (Chavez-Medina) Mayer and son-in-law David Dixon were also part of her cherished family. Rosie was preceded in death by her son, Earl L. Mayer, and daughter, Rose Marie Mayer. She had three siblings: brothers Patrick (Roberta) Gallagher and Francis (Eunice) Gallagher, and sister Madonna (Carl) Lodico.

A Memorial Mass of Resurrection will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church of the Holy Family Parish, officiated by Fr. Brandon Guenther. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass. Military Honors will be accorded graveside by the Prairie du Chien Honor Guard. The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family. My heartfelt condolences go out to Rosie’s loved ones during this difficult time. 

**The attached photo was taken of Rosie at Kwajalien, Marshall Islands 1958 while serving in the U.S. Air Force**

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