Rosa Wildmann was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She left this world on January 19, 2022 after 91 years on this earth. She was strong, loving, and loyal. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Wildmann, and her parents Johann Bretträger and Theresia Rauch Bretträger.
Rosa is survived by her son Bob Wildmann, and daughter Martha Chale. She was the grandparent of three Jessica Byrd, Lauren Chale, and Jeff Chale. She was the proud Oma/great grandparent of six: Lydia Chale, Luke Chale, Natalie Rice, Joe Byrd, Ruby Byrd and Rosalina Glenn.
She was born in the small town of Ilok, Yugolsavia (now Croatia) on July 19, 1930-she was exactly 91 1/2 when she passed away. In her late teens she moved to the United States, and spent most of her life in Trenton, New Jersey. She met her husband Joseph Wildmann while attending a night class to learn English. They married and went on to have their two children Bob and Martha.
Rosa was a long-time Ladies’ Auxiliary President and Kitchen Manager at the Danube Swabian Association of Trenton, New Jersey. She enjoyed having her three grandchildren visit in the summer for weeks at a time. She told stories about growing up in Ilok and her move to Germany during WWII. She liked to play cards with and take them on adventures. She was able to travel back to her hometown in the 1990’s with her grandchildren. She spoke three languages and used them all over Europe as they traveled. She also enjoyed sewing, and gardening. She particularly loved the roses that surrounded the fence in her house in Trenton.
In 1999 Rosa and Joseph relocated to Etowah NC to be closer to her family and lived in the Riverwind Community. Rosa hosted weekly family dinner nights for years. She enjoyed getting to know her new community. She collected angel figurines, and displayed them all at Christmas. One of her favorite things was to see her great grandchildren come over dressed up for Halloween.
In 2017, she moved to Asheville NC and lived with her granddaughter and family. She enjoyed seeing and being around her family. The last four months of her life she spent at Universal Healthcare of Fletcher, and a special thank you the staff there took such good care of her during her last few months of life.
Her family loved her very much, and will miss her greatly.
A small memorial service will be held on February 5th at 11 a.m. at Jackson Funeral Home in Hendersonville. Masks are required if you attend. Watch the Jackson Funeral Service website for updates or changes due to weather.
Auf Wiedersehen (until we meet again)