Meridith Lynn Rosenberger Obituary (1947 - 2019)

Meridith Lynn Rosenberger, 71 of Ramsey passed away Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Heritage Health, Pana following a valiant battle against colon and lung cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. He was born July 4, 1947 in Pana to the late Zola & Gertrude (Weers) Rosenberger. With exception of the time he spent serving in the U.S. Army, he was a lifelong resident of rural Ramsey. Meridith graduated from Ramsey High School, class of 1965. He served in the Army from 1966-1968 in Darmstadt, Germany as a top security radio operator. Upon returning home he was employed as a meat cutter at several area meat lockers until gaining employment at Caterpillar in Decatur, where he became known as "Rosie", and retired from there in 1999 with 30 years of service. After retiring, he developed a love for making hand carved mushroom walking sticks. He would walk the timber of his farm looking for intriguing pieces of wood for carving and most would end up being donated to area benefits. He also was an avid deer hunter and known for making many types of venison salami. Meridith was a member of the Illinois State Rifle Association, Ramsey American Legion Post #460, United in Faith Church, Pana, life member of National Rifle Association, past member of Sons of the American Legion (SAL), past 4-H leader in Fayette County, former North Hurricane Township Trustee and Township Commissioner. Meridith married Martha Carroll on April 20, 1974 in Nokomis, IL and she survives in Ramsey along with their daughters Cassie Rosenberger of St. Louis, MO and Christa Rosenberger of Collinsville, IL. He is also survived by siblings Wayne (Cheryl) Rosenberger and Jolayne (Richard) Challans both of Ramsey; mother-in-law Louise Carroll, Pana; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by a son Elijah Rosenberger on November 23, 2015 and brother Dwaine Rosenberger. Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 17, 2019 in United in Faith Church at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Harry Kirk officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until time of the service at the church. Burial will be on Monday, March 18, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield. Memorials in Meridith's honor may be made to Ramsey American Legion Post #460 or Pana Community Hospital Foundation and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.