Josephine Rochford
Josephine M. Rochford of Sumner died Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at Unity Point/Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo after a brief illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner with Rev. James Brokman and Deacon Michal Schemmel concelebrating.
Interment followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery (Pinhook), rural Sumner.
Memorials may be made in Josephine’s name to St. Bridget’s, Pinhook.
Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner assisted the family.
Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.
Josephine Marie, daughter of Carl and Mabel (Stunes) Exman, was born Jan. 21, 1926, in Oelwein, Iowa.
She was baptized at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein and confirmed Oct. 8, 1940, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette.
Josephine received her education in the Fayette schools and graduated from Fayette High School.
On Aug. 16, 1945, she was united in marriage with James Rochford at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Josephine worked at Amoco in Oelwein, Center Valley, and Sumner Egg Packing. Along with her husband, Jim, she farmed east of Sumner for many years.
Josephine was a long time faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner, where she was very active in the Ladies Guild, sang in the church choir, led the rosary, and served on lunch committees.
She enjoyed dancing, playing cards (she was a member of the Library Card Club and Hospital Auxiliary Card Club), traveling, and reading.
Josephine had an unwavering faith and a great love and admiration for her family.
Josephine is survived by her eight sons and one son-in-law, John of Galesburg, Ill., Patrick (Debra) of Hawkeye, William (Rhonda) of Sumner, James (Phyllis) of Rock, Kan., Mark (Lori) of Central City, Thomas (Kathleen) of Fredericksburg, Daniel (Connie) of Westgate, Joseph (Pamela) of Sumner, and Gary Molid of Manito, Ill.; three daughters, Jean Kacick of Marion, Mary (Timm) Berg of South Elgin, Ill., and Nina (Duane) Schellhorn of Fredericksburg; 41 grandchildren; 78 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, James, in 2005; a son, Timothy, who died in infancy; a daughter, Cecelia, in 2013; two grandsons, William John Bolte and David Joseph Rochford; three great-grandchildren, Grant Schellhorn, Eva Marie Rochford, and John Paul Smitley; two brothers, Norbert and Jerry Exman; and four sisters, Elizabeth Lewton, Dorothy Anderson, Lois Anderson, and Charlotte Hillman.