Donald Rosner

Donald Rosner, age 88, passed away March 29, 2016 at Vintage Park in Paola, Kansas. Donald was born June 8, 1927 to Herman A. and Anna Johanna (Kelley) Rosner in Bucyrus, Kansas. He was united in marriage to Aleta M. Swearingen on January 14, 1950 in Wea, Kansas. He joined the military during World War II serving as a U.S. Navy Air Machinist Mate on the USS Rendova Bay aircraft carrier in the South Pacific. On leaving the military he went to Kansas State University on the G.I. Bill. He farmed with his father and brother in Wea, Kansas until he purchased his farm west of Paola in 1960. He was a lifelong farmer developing one of the premier herds of Charolais cattle in this region. He donated heifers to young cattlemen through the Miami County Livestock Association. He enjoyed pheasant hunting with the Wea boys and took family and friends every Thanksgiving weekend. Crappie fishing was a passion he enjoyed mostly in his later years. Once a year walleyes were targeted in Canada with his family and his brother Tom's family and friends. He retired as an operator with Local Union 101, working throughout southern Kansas City. His children and grandchildren were the greatest joy in his life. He taught us all to work hard and love one another. After working hard together there was always time for play, whether horse shoes, basketball, softball or just refreshment and visiting about the days events. His generosity endures. Donald was preceded in death by his son, Steven Eugene Rosner; grandson, Garrett Navarre Rosner; brothers, Francis M. Rosner, Herman Edward Rosner, and Bernard J. Rosner and sister, Mary E. Holland. He is survived by his wife, Aleta M. Rosner; daughter, Deborah E. Gray (Steve), son, Robert A. Rosner (Christine), son, Donald E. Rosner II (Debbie), daughter, Denise E. Ratzlaff (Jay), son, Kevin M. Rosner, 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, brother, Thomas V. Rosner, sister, Dolores A. Holland, and sister, Margaret A. Miller (Gordon). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church. To share a memory of Don or to leave a condolence message for his family, please click the Share Memories tab. Holy Trinity Catholic Church Service: Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 10:00 AM Visitation: Friday, April 1, 2016 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM