Rose Marie Fischer, age 93, of Wellston, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at home, surrounded by her loving children and family. Born on December 7, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, she was the cherished daughter of the late Frank and Rose Fortelka. She was the valedictorian of her high school class.  On May 14, 1949, Rose Marie married Walter J. Fischer at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Irons. Together, they successfully owned and operated several businesses.

Rose Marie was a humble, strong, dedicated, and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, with a special affection for Manistee Catholic Central Schools. Her life was a testament to her faith and family values. She maintained her fitness and spiritual connection by praying the rosary daily while riding her bike 5 to 10 miles. Her hobbies included cooking and knitting hats, mittens, sweaters, and scarves for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always supportive and proud of the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her 11 sons and 3 daughters: Thomas (Maureen), Timothy (Kathy), Michael (Rogene), Gregory (Bonnie), James (Kathryn), Mary, Paul, Peter (Kathleen), Susan deManigold, David (Elizabeth), Mark (Teresa), Chris (Christine), Andrew (Daniela), and Lisa (Jay) Roth. She also leaves behind 38 grandchildren: Bryan (Kelli), Michael (Amy), Julie (Don) Bassett, Sarah Stratz, Steven (Rhonda), Melissa (Luke) Randolph, John, Rachel (Aaron) Homp, Matthew, Rebecca Wright, Jessica (Chris) Edson, Kimberly, Kelly (Milo) Fortier, Amy (Josh) Brown, Alan (Jenny), Jeff (Traci), Nathan (Lyndsey), Katie (Paul) Close, Troy (Katie), Cheryl (Ben) Brandt, Victoria (Andy) Long, Dean (Kimberly), Megan, Benjamin (Marissa), Jacob (Stephanie), Nicholas (Keri) deManigold, Luke, Alexander, Isabella (Conor) Lawlis, Douglas (Morgan), Daniel (Julianne), Lynn (Cole) Bringold, Josephine, Annemarie (Adam) Zientarski, Amanda, Ryan, Emily Roth, and Colin Roth. Additionally, she is survived by her 75 great-grandchildren: Ethan, Coleman, and Carson Bassett, Kylah, Brady, and Zander Fortier, Derek Long, Isaac Randolph, Dalton, Robin Long, Noah Brandt, Selena, Cade Fortier, Sawyer Christensen, Genevieve, Sophia, and Lily Edson, Annabelle Randolph, James Brandt, Rowan Fortier, Eleanor Wright, Austin, Savanna, Emersyn, Austin Brandt, Ella, Landon, Liam, Vivian Wright, Olivia Wright, Ivy Wright, Joshua, Dane Stratz, Alexander Brandt, Avery, Olivia, Brianna, and Adaline Homp, Aiden, Julia, Finley Brown, Kendall, Linden Homp, Madelyn, Griffin Close, Kaylee, Addison, Harper, and Lewis Homp, Ada Close, Mackenzie Bringold, Brycelyn, Reed Stratz, June Homp, Mikayla Bringold, Ford, Violette deManigold, Dominic, Silas Close, Henry, Maeve, and Scarlett deManigold, Harley Bringold, Crew, River, Claire, Clara, Emeline, Charles, Sophie, Margaret, Avila Lawlis, Zachary Zientarski, Sylvie, and Penelope. She is also survived by her brother, Michael Fortelka; nephew, Frank; and nieces, Michelle Hanson and Sandy Ludwig.

Rose Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter J. Fischer; her parents, Frank and Rose Fortelka; her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Patrice Fischer; her grandchildren: "Little" Mary, Jennifer, Daniel, and Aaron; her great-grandchild, Lucy Close; her sister-in-law, Nancy Fortelka; and her nephews, Wayne and William Fortelka.

A Mass from The Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8th, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Irons, with Father Matt Barnum as celebrant. Burial will follow at Fernwood Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call on August 7th at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Irons from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. At 8:00 p.m., all are invited to pray the Rosary.

In memory of Rose Marie, donations may be made to the memorials established in her name for Right to Life and Little Mary's Hospitality House. Envelopes are available at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee and at the church during visiting hours.

The Fischer family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Matt Barnum at St. Bernard's for his many comforting visits and to Hospice of Michigan for their exceptional care and support.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.