Rosemary R. Meyer

Rosemary R. Meyer, 81, of Kansas City, Missouri, formerly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on May 16, 2026, at St. Ludmila Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, with visitation one hour prior. Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family.

Who better to write your own obituary than yourself? Rosemary did just that—sharing her story in her own words and spirit.

Rosemary was born on July 27, 1944, in Calmar, Iowa, the middle child of five. She grew up on a farm, where she lived until her freshman year of high school. It was a simple life—without running water or indoor plumbing—but everyone knew their responsibilities and took pride in their work. It was, by her account, a joyful and memorable childhood.

After graduating from South Winneshiek Community High School in 1962, Rosemary moved to Cedar Rapids and worked as a secretary. In 1963, she married her wonderful husband, Bob Meyer. They spent their first year in Decorah before settling in Cedar Rapids, where they welcomed their daughter, Vicki Rose, followed 16 months later by their son, Terry Richard.

In 1971, Rosemary and Bob purchased their first home on 25th Avenue SW, where they built a life full of love and memories. With encouragement from her favorite brother, Wally, Rosemary went to work at Quaker Oats, where she formed many lasting friendships.

Rosemary was known for her quick wit and her love of laughter. She was an avid reader and delighted in hosting card parties. Some of her happiest moments were spent playing cards with dear friends—Jim, Marilyn, Bob, Velma, Louie, Marcy, Charles, Kitty, Kevin, Joyce-and later with her close-knit group of girlfriends. She and Bob also shared a love of the outdoors, enjoying boating, fishing, hiking, and biking together. In retirement, they embraced traveling, their favorite way to spend time together.

Rosemary’s life was marked by both deep love and profound loss. In 1999, she lost her beloved son, Terry, a loss she carried with her always. In 2010, she experienced another great sorrow with the passing of her husband, Bob, who had been her rock.

She remained surrounded by love through her family. Her daughter, Vicki, made her home in Kansas City with her husband, Scott Schwartz, and together they provided Rosemary with unwavering care and support. Rosemary was a proud grandmother to Jeffrey Smith, who married Lesley Chu, and Kati Smith who blessed her with two great-granddaughters, Scarlett Rose and Holland Jolie.

In her later years, Rosemary found companionship in her beloved dog, Daisy. Rosemary spent her final years in Kansas City, where she even became a devoted Chiefs fan.

Rosemary lived a full and meaningful life—one defined by hard work, laughter, resilience, and deep love for her family and friends. She will be remembered for her warmth, her humor, and the many cherished memories she created with those around her.

Survivors include her daughter Vicki Schwartz and her husband Scott. Grandson Jeffrey Smith and his wife Lesley Chu. Granddaughter Kati Smith and Cole Bryant. Great-granddaughters Scarlett and Holland Pirak. Also surviving are three siblings Velma Leuenburger, Geri King, and Wally Lechtenberg.

Preceding her in death is her husband Robert Meyer, son Terry Meyer, her parents Rose and Walter Lechtenberg, brother Richard Lechtenberg, sister-in-law Jill Anna Lechtenberg, brother-in-law Robert Leuenberger.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Ludmila Catholic Church.