Rosemarie E. Pilath

Rosemarie E. Pilath, 92, of Traverse City, passed away at Munson Medical Center with her loving family by her side.

Rosemarie was born in Gladbeck, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, to the late Otto and Charlotte (Ude) Krenz. Growing up in Germany during World War II shaped Rosemarie from an early age and helped instill in her the strength, resourcefulness, and appreciation for family that she carried throughout her life. She attended school in Germany and learned the skilled trade of seamstress and then went on to never sew another button.

Rosemarie met the love of her life, Walter Reinhold Pilath through her brother Rudi. Walter immigrated to the United States first, eventually settling in Detroit and preparing a new life for the two of them. As soon as he was able, Rosemarie joined him. The couple was married in 1955 in New York and together began a life built upon love, hard work, and family.

Rosemarie and Walter raised three children. She was an incredibly devoted mother who loved her children dearly and worked hard to make certain they would have every opportunity for a bright future.

Although America became her home, Rosemarie and Walter remained close to their German roots and family. Rose and Walter were long time members of the Austrian Society, former long time supporting members of GBU Saxonia Rheingold Choir, GBU District 821, and supporting members of German American Cultural Club and Carpathia Club.

Rosemarie was practical, frugal, and remarkably efficient with money. She understood the value of saving and making the most of what she had, always with the well-being and future of her family in mind.

Rosemarie was a wonderful German baker, her family will especially remember her delicious Marmorkuchen. She also enjoyed flower gardening and took great pleasure in watching the beautiful things she planted grow and bloom.

Above all else, Rosemarie treasured her grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was being ‘Oma’, to Maggie and Hannah. The time she shared with them was precious to her.

Rosemarie lived a long life marked by resilience, devotion, hard work, and an enduring love for her family. Despite a severe stroke in 2008 she went on to live a fulfilling life surrounded by caring family, friends and care staff. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all those who knew her.

She is survived by her children, daughters Susanne (Traverse City, MI), and Heidi (Golden, CO), and son Robert (Chesterfield, MI), and mother (Jacqueline) of their children, granddaughters Margaret, and Hannah, and all loving relatives in Germany. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff funeral home from 3-5pm. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved Walter on Monday, September 6, 2026 at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East, Clinton Township.